India's quest to develop a future fighter jet engine may get backing from the UK.
A Senior UK Minister on Thursday said that the country is "ready to collaborate" and looking at a "government-to-government deal".
James Heappey, UK Minister for Defence Procurement, on the sidelines of the ongoing DefExpo in India, said: “The UK and India have much to offer one another in defence, including research, development and training."
The Minister revealed that both the governments are looking forward to collaborating on jet engine development.
Interestingly, leading French engine manufacturer Safran has said that it is ready to transfer the full technology for jet engines that can power next-generation fighter jets.
The UK manufacturer Rolls Royce supplied its products for aircraft used by the Indian armed forces like the Jaguar fighters and Hawk advanced jet trainers.
With the latest UK offer, the topic is going to be 'hot' considering the post-Brexit scenario.
Minister Heappey opined that these kinds of projects can be achieved via government to government contracting, which will encourage collaboration, cooperation and partnerships across the UK and Indian defence industries. He described the UK and India as "natural partners".
Indian plan to achieve self-reliance in combat engines. Only top defence production nations, including the UK, have expertise in this key technology area.
Damian Talbot