India Seeks Japanese Tech to Power Next-Gen Fighter Jets & Tanks

In a move that promises to reshape India's defence manufacturing landscape, the Indian government is reportedly exploring the incorporation of Japanese technology for the co-production of next-generation engines for fighter jets and tanks. This strategic dialogue, initiated at the historic Manekshaw Centre in Delhi, was marked by a high-level meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart, General Nakatani.

Tapping into a Legacy of Engine Excellence

IHI F7 engine for test (Source - Wikipedia) 

Japanese expertise in aero-engine and tank propulsion technologies spans nearly a century. Companies such as Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries, which form the backbone of Japan's Aero Engine Corporation, have a long track record of designing and manufacturing high-performance powerplants for global markets.

These engines, built using advanced materials like high-temperature alloys and precision machining techniques, are used in some of the world's most demanding aviation and armored applications.

By collaborating with Japan, India intends to leverage this deep technical know-how to overcome persistent bottlenecks in its indigenous engine programs, such as those for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Tejas Mark II.

Engine Technologies: From Fighter Jets to Tanks

The technical challenges involved in developing engines for modern fighter jets and tanks are formidable but distinct. For fighter jets, propulsion systems must feature an exceptional thrust-to-weight ratio, high fuel efficiency, and the ability to operate reliably at high altitudes and speeds. They incorporate cutting-edge combustion systems, turbine blades made from exotic alloys, and advanced digital control systems that optimize performance under extreme conditions.

On the other hand, tank engines require immense low-end torque and efficient power delivery to support heavy armor and unpredictable terrains. They must also deliver consistent performance across long operational periods without compromising on durability.

By joining forces, India and Japan hope to combine India’s robust manufacturing practices—evident in its success in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contracts for US warships—with Japan’s innovative engine design capabilities, creating a synthesis that could set new standards for military propulsion technologies.

Enhancing Broader Defence Capabilities

General Electric GEnx engine, specifically designed for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Japan's IHI has responsibility for the design, manufacture and assembly of about 13% of the engine, which primarily include the rotating members of the low pressure turbine, the aft part of the high pressure compressor airfoils, and fan mid-shaft. GEnx is a trademark of GE

The discussions between India and Japan were not confined solely to engine technology. Both leaders recognized the value of a holistic defence partnership, which included mutual cooperation in emerging domains such as automation, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and space technology. This broader approach is expected to boost the overall capabilities of Indian forces aboard air, land, and sea. Notably, Japan’s invitation to India to join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), aimed at developing a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet, underscores the strategic depth of this multifaceted collaboration.

Such initiatives not only bolster the immediate technological edge but also set the stage for long-term transfer of cutting-edge technology and skills—a critical component in India's "Make in India" vision for self-reliance in defence production.

Geo-strategic Implications and Future Prospects

F7-10 Turbo fan engine rear, at Iwaguni Air Base.

Amid shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, the India–Japan co-production initiative marks a significant step forward in strategic defence ties. Deepened military collaboration between the two nations is expected to serve as a counterbalance to regional threats while reinforcing maritime cooperation and regional stability.

Over the coming years, joint production ventures like the engine co-development project could catalyze further innovation in both nations’ defence sectors and stimulate a ripple effect across related high-tech industries.

Moreover, the successful fusion of Japanese technological finesse with India’s robust industrial base may pave the way for additional collaborative projects and enhance not only combat performance but also the resilience of supply chains in critical defence domains.

The initiative signals a new era where international co-production is not merely about sharing costs but is fundamentally about integrating complementary strengths. For India, this is not just a stop-gap measure to overcome current challenges in fighter jet and tank engine development—it is a strategic investment in future technological capabilities.

By harnessing the established expertise of Japanese manufacturers, India can fast-track its journey toward building world-class defence hardware that meets the rigorous demands of modern warfare. In doing so, the Indo-Japan partnership is setting a gold standard in defence innovation—one that will undoubtedly capture the attention of global defence analysts and industry leaders alike.