Defence

GE Unveils New Tejas Engine Delivery Schedule After Defense Minister Raises Delay Concerns

Brazil Could Buy India’s LCA Tejas If IAF Acquires Embraer C-390 Aircraft

In response to recent concerns raised by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, American engine manufacturer General Electric (GE) has announced a revised delivery schedule for the F404-IN20 engines intended for India’s Tejas Mk1A aircraft.

According to thr Report from The Print, This new schedule, set to commence in November this year, aims to address significant delays in engine deliveries that have impacted the Tejas program.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ambitious plans to induct approximately 300 Tejas fighters over the next 15 years. This requires a substantial ramp-up in production by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the defense public sector undertaking responsible for assembling the aircraft. To meet these goals, HAL must align its production capacity with the IAF’s requirements.

Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari emphasized the need for diversification in production lines and suggested more public-private partnerships or joint ventures to manage multiple weaponry and production lines effectively.

Initially, the IAF placed an order for 83 tejas mk1a generation jets, valued at around Rs 48,000 crore. Following this, the government decided to increase the order by an additional 97 aircraft. However, production delays—primarily due to the late delivery of F-404 engines from GE—have caused the program to lag by over 10 months.

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Sources indicate that GE has committed to delivering two engines per month starting from November, aiming to fulfill the full order of 99 engines. This adjustment follows a contract signed in August 2021, which stipulated that GE should deliver 99 engines beginning March this year. The delay in tejas mk1a delivery has been a significant concern, tejas mk2 vs f16 as no engines have been received yet.

The IAF’s plans also include ordering an additional 97 tejas aircraft to bolster its fleet further. Under the terms of the original contract, GE was expected to deliver engines in tandem with HAL’s aircraft production rate of 16 per financial year. The revised schedule from GE is a crucial step towards addressing the delays and ensuring the timely delivery of engines to support the Tejas program’s progress.

Defence

Brazil Could Buy India’s LCA Tejas If IAF Acquires Embraer C-390 Aircraft

As military ties between India and Brazil continue to strengthen, significant discussions are underway regarding potential defense acquisitions.

During the Brazilian delegation’s visit to India, the spotlight is on the Indian Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and helicopters, alongside the potential sale of the Embraer C-390 Millennium to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Reports suggest that the Tejas is poised for deployment in operational roles in India’s northern sector, where it will face off against Pakistan’s F-16s and the China-Pakistan Joint Venture JF-17 in potential conflicts.

The strengthening of defense ties between India and Brazil reflects a mutual recognition of the need for advanced and reliable military capabilities. The Embraer C-390 Millennium and the Indian HAL tejas fighter jet represent significant assets in this strategic partnership, potentially enhancing the military capabilities of both nations.

An exchange involving these aircraft could significantly bolster the operational readiness of both countries and improve their positions in the global defense market. Indian defense analysts emphasize that the hal tejas presents a cost-effective solution for Brazil’s air defense needs, offering substantial aerial capabilities without the financial burden of more expensive alternatives.

In addition to aircraft, Brazil is also exploring the acquisition of Indian-made helicopters and drones. The Brazilian defense spokesperson noted, “We have seven squadrons of 12 helicopters each and are seeking additional units, possibly 24 new helicopters, for roles including Amazon operations and flood relief.” Indian helicopters are under consideration for this expansion.

Furthermore, Brazil is contemplating a transfer of drone technology from India, potentially enhancing its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The ongoing discussions and potential agreements signal a growing partnership that could strengthen both nations’ defense capabilities and global defense industry presence.