If I've read GTRE / DRDO / MoD / GoI correctly , Kaveri 2.0 will be about developing an analogue to the GE F-404 . This can be realised in a decade from now.
Once that's through based on the same design it'd be upgraded to an analogue of the GE F-414 generating 100 KN + .
The JV for the 120 KN TF is to eventually serve as the core which can generate 140 KN + for the proposed 6th Gen FA project. This will be a project with whoever partners GTRE . Therefore who so ever does so will have struck a jackpot. I believe SAFRAN will be chosen .
This latest move by RR is to throw a spanner in the works by trying & make this RR RIL JV the centre of anything related to the TF & downstream derivatives for the Indian defence ecosystem viz 120 -140 KN TF , Kaveri 2.0 & whatever follows for mfg & if they can't mfg it they can always propose alternatives complying with GoI's directive of the IPR being Indian , various classes of MGT , etc
Part of the reason could also be about the INs latest forays into indigenisation by getting local industry involved of which we've seen the first fruits courtesy Kirloskar.
IN has also publicly stated its goals of being import free of propulsion systems by 2047 . The next step would obviously be MGT where a transition is being effected into electric propulsion systems.
IN is bound to look for such solutions locally . Since MGT are usually derived from TF , once RR gets a foothold there everything else follows. Hence the JV with RIL .
They're essentially doing this to secure their future as an engine design cum mfg house given the bleak economic prospects back home & by & large in Europe where the choice is essentially limited to American systems .
Besides attempts to forge JVs with European partners have not yielded satisfactory results with DA storming out of the EuroFighter project & inability of the Brits to reach common ground with ze Germans manifesting in the utter neglect of the EuroFighter platform as far as upgradation goes as compared to the clear path for the Rafale , DA has formulated.
Hence they moved to the Far East for the next project - the 6th Gen FA program aka the GCAP.
The US has successfully emaciated British defence industry converting both BAe & RR into glorified sub contractors . This in turn is a function of British strategic policy of piggy backing the Americans. In brief the chickens are coming home to roost if not now then certainly in the next 2-3 decades. Hence the advance planning & preparation.
Besides India they don't have any other alternatives , all things considered. One of the other reasons they fell out with Turkey I just recalled , as part of their dispute on the IPR was a disagreement on exports. Apparently RR wanted exclusive IPR for exports which would handicap Turkey's attempts at emerging as an export power house.
You tell them Paddy ! As usual whenever little britain is up sh!t creek without a paddle & a leaky boat they turn to the jewel in their crown - India .
@BMD
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