India finally powers up engine production as it prepares to talk platforms with Putin
Russia’s Su-57 stealth jets are expected to be a key focus during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India this week. (Photo: author)
Engine technology has been thrust into the spotlight ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India this week, with the Su-57, S-400 and Kamov-226 expected to be high on the agenda.
Even as vendors await clarity on the Indian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) two‑decade‑old request for proposals (RfP) for 114 Multi‑Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), New Delhi readies to host Russian President Vladimir Putin on 4-5 December.
Constrained by export sanctions, his visit seeks to push India towards the Su‑57 exhibited at Aero India 2025. He is also promoting additional S‑400s and 76 Kamov‑226 helicopters, which are transitioning to the Klimov VK‑650V engine. These helicopters are intended for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) under the Naval Utility Helicopter programme for which the request for information (RfI) concluded in
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon]()
Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon
The technology demonstrator forms part of a wider effort to help the Royal Navy explore the potential of uncrewed systems supporting its existing crewed aviation platforms.
-
![Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision]()
Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision
The MQ-7C uncrewed aircraft is currently undergoing further internal flight tests ahead of a government test event anticipated for next year.
-
![November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs]()
November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs
In November 2025, GA-ASI unveiled a new Gambit variant, the Gambit 6, and appears to be pitching the aircraft series to various customers in the Middle East, which is a fast-emerging CCA market. The Dubai Airshow also saw the unveiling of various Emirati aircraft from Edge Group.
-
![Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill]()
Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill
This test is the latest milestone achieved by the indigenous drone, destroying a target using a beyond-visual-range missile.
-
![Boeing to build Apache AH-64E attack helicopters for Poland, Egypt and Kuwait]()
Boeing to build Apache AH-64E attack helicopters for Poland, Egypt and Kuwait
The $4.7 billion international order for the three countries will see production conclude around May 2032.
