India, Japan explore co-production of fighter jet, tank engines

India is exploring Japanese technology for co-producing next-generation engines for its fighter jets and tanks. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh discussed this possibility, along with increased maritime cooperation and niche domains, with his Japanese counterpart, Gen Nakatani.

During the meeting, Rajnath Singh highlighted the capabilities of the Indian defence industry, particularly its potential to collaborate with Japan on new areas such as tank engines and aero-engines. The Ministry of Defence noted that the Japanese have a long history of producing aero-engines for global big players and have been manufacturing tanks and their engines for nearly a century.

Rajnath Singh also emphasised India’s expertise in maintenance, repair, and overhaul of equipment, citing contracts for Indian shipyards to maintain US warships. Both sides agreed to enhance industry cooperation, including exploring collaboration in niche domains like automation and Artificial Intelligence. They also decided to advance cooperation in emerging areas such as cyber and space.

The two ministers reviewed the defence and security pillars of the India-Japan special strategic and global partnership, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and contributing to regional peace. They agreed to add new dimensions to the robust maritime cooperation between India and Japan, building on the long-term friendship between the two nations, which gained momentum after the elevation of their collaboration to a special strategic and global partnership in 2014.

Earlier, the Japanese Defence Minister laid a wreath at National War Memorial and paid homage to the fallen heroes. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour prior to the dialogue at Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt.