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In a significant advancement for India's indigenous military aviation capabilities, India and Russia have finalised a formal agreement to jointly develop a new generation of aero-engines.
Announced in August 2025, this major collaboration will create a twin-engine powerplant designed specifically for India's future uncrewed combat aircraft, which are being developed for operations from both land bases and naval aircraft carriers.
The new pact leverages the successful partnership behind the NPO Saturn AL-55I engine, which powers the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) HJT-36 Yashas intermediate jet trainer.
As unmanned systems increasingly become a decisive factor in modern warfare, this initiative is set to fast-track India's development of sophisticated stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), such as the Ghatak program.
A Partnership Forged on the HJT-36 Program
The foundation for this new venture was laid during the development of the AL-55I engine, a high-performance turbofan created by Russia’s NPO Saturn (part of the United Engine Corporation, UEC) to meet specific Indian Air Force (IAF) requirements.The engine was selected to resolve persistent developmental issues with the HJT-36 Sitara trainer aircraft, a program launched by HAL in 1997 to replace its aging HJT-16 Kiran fleet.
The indigenous trainer program had initially faced severe setbacks, including a 2011 crash and issues with an underpowered French engine that did not meet the IAF's performance standards.
The joint development of the more powerful AL-55I engine proved critical in overcoming these challenges and reviving the project.
The Revitalised 'Yashas' Trainer
Recent upgrades have transformed the trainer, now renamed "Yashas," meaning 'glory' in Sanskrit. The engine's total technical life has been extended to 1,200 hours, thrust has been increased to 17.27 kN, and its weight has been reduced by 50 kg, improving fuel efficiency.Unveiled at Aero India 2025, the HJT-36 Yashas now features modern avionics, including a glass cockpit and voice-activated controls.
The IAF is expected to evaluate the aircraft soon, with potential orders for up to 100 units. This success has validated the engine's performance and reliability, paving the way for the new, more ambitious UCAV engine project.
Details of the New Engine Agreement
The latest protocol, valued at approximately ₹5,000-7,000 crore, involves HAL, the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), and Russia's UEC.The agreement includes a comprehensive transfer of technology, giving India access to the core design of the AL-55I.
A key feature of the deal is its emphasis on localisation. HAL's Koraput facility in Odisha, which already has extensive experience producing Russian engines for the Su-30MKI fighter fleet, will handle 70-80% of the manufacturing.
The primary goal is to develop a scalable, twin-engine configuration that can produce a combined thrust of 30-35 kN. This power level is essential for 10-15 ton UCAVs.
Using two engines provides critical redundancy and fault tolerance—a vital safety feature for high-value unmanned assets undertaking deep-strike or maritime missions.
The project timeline is ambitious, with prototype engines scheduled for completion by 2027, integration with a UCAV platform by 2029, and the start of serial production by 2030.
This timeline directly supports India’s strategic unmanned programs, ensuring that a domestically produced engine will be ready for the next generation of combat aircraft.
