Lag in US engine supply delays IAF induction of Tejas Mark-1A

NEW DELHI: In a major blow to IAF 's already depleted operational capabilities, the induction of new indigenous Tejas Mark-1A jets has been further deferred, primarily because of the continuing delay in supply of engines by US major General Electric (GE), while the project to make 4.5-generation fighters in India with foreign collaboration is still stuck in the doldrums.

Defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) will be able to deliver only two to three Tejas Mark-1A fighters instead of 16 promised to the IAF in the 2024-25 fiscal, under the Rs 46,898 crore deal for 83 such single-engine jets inked in Feb 2021, sources told TOI.

After both PM Narendra Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh flagged the delay in deliveries of the 99 GE-F404 turbofan jet engines during their recent visits to the US, GE has promised to begin the supply by March 2025 now, around two years behind schedule.

"As per the terms of the $716 million contract, HAL could invoke penalty clauses in the case. But it's an ongoing logistical issue that can be worked out between GE and HAL. GE says it has faced supply chain issues from one of its South Korean suppliers," a source said.

Moreover, HAL and GE are now also conducting the final techno-commercial negotiations for co-production of the more powerful GE-F414 aero-engines in India for the planned Tejas Mark-II fighters, with 80% transfer of technology for around $1 billion. "The contract should be inked within this fiscal," he added.

Along with the engines' delay, the integration of weapons as well as the Israeli radar on the Tejas Mark-1A is also currently underway. All this will have a cascading effect down the line with the IAF banking upon the progressive induction of 180 Tejas Mark-1A and at least 108 Mark-2 jets over the next 15 years to stem the nose-dive in the number of its fighters. The force is currently making do with just 30 fighter squadrons when 42.5 are authorised to tackle the threat from China and Pakistan.