India’s defence sector has undergone a remarkable transformation since 2014, evolving from a largely import-dependent military force to one focused on self-reliance and indigenous production. As one of the strongest military powers globally, India plays a vital role in ensuring regional security and meeting strategic goals.

The country’s defence budget has increased significantly from ₹2,53,346 crore in 2013-14 to ₹6,21,940.85 crore in 2024-25. This reflects a clear commitment to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities. Moreover, through the Make in India initiative and policy reforms, the Modi government has actively promoted domestic production and reduced dependence on foreign procurement. This shift has been a key component of India’s broader vision to achieve self-reliance in the defence sector, establishing the country as an emerging hub for the production of advanced military technologies and equipment.

Thus as part of the Modi government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative India has started manufacturing aircraft but to make any fighter aircraft, helicopter or UCAV, an excellent engine is required. For that, India had to depend on other countries, but now things are soon going to change as the country is moving towards making its own indigenous fighter jet engine called Kaveri engine.

Manufacturing a fighter jet engine is a challenging task and requires expertise in engineering fields such as mechanical, metallurgical, and electrical. Only five countries in the world can make such advanced engines thus far and they are Britain, France, America, Russia and China. India is also trying to join this elite club. India had initially tried to develop a jet engine named Kaveri in 1989, but it was not successful. Then again in the 1990s, when India was moving towards economic reforms, conducting nuclear tests and strengthening its position at the global level the........

© News9Live