New Delhi: Russian defence experts have stated that the reported sale of RD-93 engines to Pakistan for use in its JF-17 fighter jets could, in fact, work to India’s advantage. They argued that criticism of the Indian government over the issue is misplaced, as the situation may offer strategic insights rather than setbacks.
According to experts, the continued dependence of China and Pakistan on Russian-origin engines indicates that both nations have yet to develop an indigenous alternative. They also noted that India would be in a stronger position to assess and counter the JF-17’s capabilities, given that the aircraft uses a familiar engine already known to Indian defence analysts and engineers.
The RD-93 engine, developed by Russia’s Klimov plant, is a variant of the RD-33 engine used in India’s MiG-29 aircraft. While the RD-93 provides slightly higher thrust, it has a shorter service life around 2,200 hours compared to the RD-33’s 4,000 hours. Experts highlighted that India holds a license to produce the superior RD-33 engines under a transfer-of-technology agreement, giving it a technological edge.
The engine supply is part of a longstanding trilateral arrangement among Russia, China, and Pakistan dating back to the early 2000s. Pakistan is now reportedly seeking a modified version of the RD-93, which is still under development.
While there has been no official confirmation regarding the latest reported sale, the matter has sparked political debate in India. Some opposition leaders have questioned Russia’s decision to provide military support to Pakistan. In response, the ruling party dismissed these claims as misleading and accused the opposition of spreading misinformation for political gain.
Defence analysts believe that rather than undermining India’s strategic position, the reported engine deal underscores New Delhi’s continued access to superior technology and deeper understanding of regional military dynamics.
