General Electric, an American company, has delivered the first contracted engine for Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets after a two-year delay. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) must now accelerate the delivery process for the remaining 99 engines.
New Delhi: The long-awaited engine delivery for the Indian Air Force's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark-1A has finally been completed. General Electric (GE), the American aerospace company, has handed over the first unit of the F-404 turbofan engine to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). HAL must now expedite the delivery of the remaining 99 engines to ensure the Indian Air Force receives the new Tejas fighter jets as quickly as possible.
HAL Must Accelerate Production
The Tejas Mark-1A's production has already faced delays, prompting concerns from the Indian Air Force (IAF). Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari and his successor, A.P. Singh, have consistently highlighted the need for at least 40 fighter jets annually to maintain the country's air power. However, the current production rate makes achieving this target challenging.
* Increasing Production Speed – Currently, HAL produces 16 Tejas aircraft annually, but plans to increase this to 20-24 aircraft per year.
* Completing New Testing Procedures – The integration of the Astra air-to-air missile and other crucial systems into the Tejas Mark-1A remains incomplete.
* Commencing a Third Production Line in Nashik – A manufacturing unit is being developed in Nashik, in addition to Bengaluru, to accelerate Tejas production.
20 Engines Annually
A contract worth ₹5,375 crore was signed with General Electric in August 2021 for the supply of 99 F-404 engines. The company committed to delivering 12 engines in the first year and 20 engines annually thereafter. According to GE Aerospace, the F-404 engine production line was reactivated after being dormant for five years, making re-establishing the global supply chain a significant challenge.
The Tejas Mark-1A is an advanced version of the indigenous Tejas Mark-1, featuring improved avionics, radar systems, and weapon integration. The Indian government aims to induct over 400 light combat aircraft into the Indian Air Force by 2040, including the Tejas Mark-1A and the future Tejas Mark-2.
HAL has stated that it is mobilizing additional resources to accelerate production by 2026 to meet the IAF's requirements. If production targets are met on time, the Tejas will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force's capabilities.
