Archive · 12 Aug 2025
India and Japan to Explore Defense Ties Including Jet Engines
India and Japan are talking about working together on jet engines for fighter planes.
India wants to build its own advanced fighters and needs powerful engines.
Japan has a new engine that could be a good fit.
They are also working together on a frigate deal with Australia.
This could help Japan sell more defense equipment in the future.
But, Japan has some challenges, like making enough parts and finding enough workers to build everything.
India wants to avoid relying on just one source for engines, in case there are problems.
Japan is exploring aerospace collaborations with India, particularly for advanced jet engine technology.
India proposed a partnership with Japan on aero engine development during a May defense ministers' meeting.
India's AMCA program aims to field a fifth-generation stealth fighter to compete with China's J-20.
Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) secured a $6.5 billion frigate deal with Australia.
Japan faces challenges in scaling up defense production, including capacity and labor shortages.
- Who
- India, Japan, Australia, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are key players.
- What
- India is exploring collaborations with Japan for jet engine technology and potential defense deals, including a frigate deal with Australia.
- When
- India proposed a partnership with Japan on aero engine development during a May defense ministers' meeting.
- Where
- Discussions and collaborations are occurring between India, Japan, and Australia.
- Why
- India seeks to diversify defense partnerships and secure advanced engine technology; Japan aims to expand its defense exports.
Japan's Challenges
India's Strategic Goals
Overseas Defense Execution
Japan's Challenges
Limited experience in managing overseas defense maintenance, services, and supply chains.
India's Strategic Goals
Success in delivering defense systems could establish Japan as a credible supplier.
- Frigate Deal Value
- $6.5 billion
- AMCA Program
- India's fifth-generation stealth fighter
- Japanese Engine
- IHI XF9
- Australian Frigate Supplier
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)
- Japan's GDP spending on defense
- 2% by 2027