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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter]()
Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter
As industrial-scale drone production proves its battlefield worth in Ukraine, what happens to that production capacity and knowhow once the guns fall silent – and is Ukraine about to become one of the world’s most credible UAV export partners?
-
![Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success]()
Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success
The one-way-effector uncrewed aerial vehicle has also been tested by the British Army, following on from its contract award notice in February 2026.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA]()
Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
The contract signed between MBDA and Fly-R will see diamond-shaped loitering munitions developed and prepared in the UAE. How does this move fit into wider market trends in the region?
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up]()
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.
