India cannot limit itself to only 5th generation engines, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday, adding that time has come for the country to begin development of 6th generation engines and advanced technologies.
Speaking after visiting DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru, and reviewing the status of ongoing projects relating to indigenous military gas turbine engine development, the defence minister said, "We have made numerous attempts in the past to achieve expertise in the field of aero engines. Now, the time has come to complete those efforts. We cannot limit ourselves to only 5th-generation engines. We must begin the development of 6th-generation, advanced technologies as soon as possible."
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Singh further pointed out that research on such technologies is the need of the hour, and India needs to stay ahead of the curve as the use of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and new materials in defence manufacturing is increasing.
He described aero engine development as an extremely complex process, integrating thermodynamics, material science, fluid mechanics and advanced mechanical engineering.
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Pointing out that even developed countries often take 25-30 years to develop next-generation engines, he urged Indian scientists to compress timelines in view of the nation’s strategic needs. “We must assume that 20 years have already passed and we now have only 5-7 years left,” Singh said.
He emphasised that during Operation Sindoor, defence forces demonstrated India’s growing Aatmanirbharta in the defence sector and added that this boosted the morale of the soldiers. “Whether it was communication systems, surveillance equipment, or attack weapons, everything was indigenous. This boosted the morale of our soldiers and instilled pride among citizens. In view of the evolving challenges, it is imperative to focus more on indigenous methods and provide our forces with world-class systems and equipment.”