The power of India's indigenous light combat aircraft, Tejas Mark 1-A, is set to receive a significant boost. American company General Electric (GE) is scheduled to deliver the first GE-404 engine to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) this month.
New Delhi: India's indigenous light combat aircraft, Tejas Mark 1-A, is poised for a substantial power upgrade. General Electric (GE), a US-based company, is set to deliver the first GE-404 engine to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) this month. This engine will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Tejas aircraft.
The deal, valued at US$ 716 million, was signed in 2021. However, the engine delivery has been delayed by two years, causing concern within the Indian Air Force (IAF). The impending arrival of the first engine will provide much-needed relief to the IAF.
A Major Achievement for Tejas
Sources indicate that the first engine is currently undergoing testing and will be handed over to HAL by the end of March. Subsequently, GE will deliver 12 more engines to India throughout 2025, with deliveries of 20 engines annually planned for the following years. HAL and GE are also collaborating on the domestic production of the GE-414 engine in India, a crucial component of India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. This initiative falls under the India-US iCET partnership, aimed at boosting defense and technological cooperation.
Ministry of Defence Establishes New Committee
In response to HAL's delayed deliveries and the IAF's concerns, the Ministry of Defence has formed a special committee. Headed by Defence Secretary R.K. Singh, this committee's primary objective is to develop a business model that incorporates private sector participation. Besides the Tejas Mark 1-A, India is also actively pursuing engine development for its fifth-generation fighter jet project, AMCA. Plans to manufacture the M-88 engine, used in French Rafale aircraft, within India are also under discussion.
IAF Receives Relief with the First Engine Delivery
In addition to the United States, France is also keen to collaborate with India on fifth-generation fighter jets and engine production. Recently, the US offered India the F-35 fighter jet, but India is still considering French options. The IAF has long awaited the delivery of the GE-404 engine.
The arrival of the first engine will accelerate the production of Tejas Mark 1-A aircraft, bolstering the Indian Air Force's capabilities. This deal will not only strengthen India-US defense partnerships but also contribute to the advancement of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
