There are some concerns between India and the US about trade and tariffs, but there is constant positive progress in the field of defense cooperation. In this episode, the American aircraft engine manufacturer General Electric (GE) is set to hand over the 99 GE-404 engines by the end of this month to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

This delivery is taking place after a delay of two years, which will give great relief to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This step will give a new speed to the Tejas MK 1A program, under which the Indian Air Force has to get 83 light fighter aircraft (LCA).

GE-404 Engine: Why is Tejas MK 1A necessary?

The GE-404 engine, the Tejas Mark 1A manufactured in India provides strength to fighter jets. The Indian Air Force has already expressed displeasure over the delay in delivery of these aircraft by HAL.

• The first engine is currently on the test-bed and will be assigned to HAL by the end of March.

• There will be a delivery of 12 engines in 2025, followed by 20 engines every year.

• The first Tejas MK 1A aircraft took the first flight in March 2024, but it used the reserve engine instead of the new engine.

GE-404 Engine Deal: Why was there a delay of 2 years?

In 2021, a contract of $ 716 million was signed between India and GE, under which GE was supposed to supply a 99 F-404 engine.

• The delivery was to begin from March 2023, but it was delayed by two years.

• The GE could not make the engine on time due to problems in the Kovid-19 epidemic and supply chain.

• Now the first engine will be assigned to HAL by the end of March 2025.

GE-414 engine, AMCA will get strength in India

India and Ge are also working on the construction of GE-414 engines.

• This engine will strengthen the advanced multi-rall combat aircraft (AMCA), which is developing the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

• This project is being done under the scheme of technology transfer under the Indo-US ICT agreement.

• Amca will be India’s first fifth-generation fighter jet, which will be made with indigenous technology.

Indian Air Force troubled by the delay of HAL, private sector will get a chance?

The Indian Air Force is angry with HAL’s delay in delivery of 83 Tejas MK-1A fighter aircraft.

• Ministry of Defense, Defense Secretary R.K. Of. A new committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Singh.

• This committee will not pay attention to technical aspects, but will prepare a roadmap to include private companies in it.

• The objective is that India’s defense construction system should not be limited to HAL only, but other private companies also contribute to fighter aircraft construction.

India has two options: American F-35 or French Rafael?

Both the US and France are offering their aircraft to India under the Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet Program of India.

• The US has proposed a supply of F-35 fighter jet.

• France is offering the Rafale fighter jets and their M-88 engine to manufacture in India.

• India is considering prioritizing indigenous production with French technology under the self -sufficient Bharat Abhiyan.