Defence

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

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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

Which Country Has the Largest Fleet of Fighter Aircraft?

Fighter planes are crucial for a country’s defense and military strength. They are designed to engage in aerial combat and protect national airspace. Different nations invest heavily in their air forces, leading to varying numbers of fighter jets.

Among them, the United States stands out as the country with the most fighter planes, boasting a diverse fleet equipped with advanced technology. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the fighter jet inventories of different countries, highlighting the significance of air power in modern warfare.

1. United States

The United States Air Force (USAF) ranks first in the world for the largest air force, boasting a total of 13,209 aircraft. Among these, approximately 1,854 are fighter jets, including iconic models like the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II. These advanced fighters are essential for air dominance and ground support. The USAF’s fleet also includes various attack aircraft, logistical support planes, and helicopters, making it a cornerstone of American military power.

2. Russia

Holding the second position globally, Russia boasts a formidable fleet of 4,255 aircraft, which includes 809 fighter jets and 730 attack planes. The Russian Air Force operates a diverse range of fighters, such as the Su-57 and MiG-29. These jets are designed for air superiority and ground attack missions, reflecting Russia’s commitment to maintaining a formidable aerial presence.

3. China

In the race for air superiority, China comes in second with 3,304 aircraft. Among these, 1,207 are fighters and bombers.The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) operates advanced models like the Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang J-11, which are crucial for securing Chinese airspace and engaging in regional conflicts.

4. India

India ranks fourth with an impressive total of 2,296 aircraft, including around 606 fighter jets.The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a mix of indigenous and imported fighters, such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Mirage 2000. The IAF plays a vital role in protecting India’s borders and maintaining regional stability.

5. North Korea

South Korea comes in 5th place with a total of 905 aircraft, including approximately 400 fighter jets. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) uses advanced models like the F-15K and KF-21 Boramae, enhancing its ability to counter threats from North Korea and maintain air superiority.

6.North Korea ranks sixth, with a total of 947 aircraft, of which around 400 are fighter jets. The Korean People’s Army Air Force primarily operates older models, such as the MiG-15 and MiG-21, which are used for defense and limited offensive capabilities.

7. Pakistan

Pakistan ranks seventh with 820 aircraft, including around 300 fighter jets. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) operates a mix of fighters, such as the JF-17 Thunder and F-16, which are crucial for national defense and regional security.

8.Egypt: Egypt’s Air Force ranks eighth globally with a fleet of 1,080 aircraft. The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) operates a diverse array of multirole fighters, including the F-16 and Rafale, supported by a robust helicopter fleet. EAF’s ongoing modernization efforts highlight its focus on maintaining regional stability and strengthening its strategic capabilities.
9. Japan

Japan holds the ninth position with the fleet of 1,459 aircraft, underscoring Japan’s focus on air defense and regional security. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) operates advanced fighters like the F-35 and Mitsubishi F-2, focusing on air defense and humanitarian missions.

10. Saudi Arabia

Finally, Saudi Arabia ranks tenth with 690 aircraft, including around 300 fighter jets. The Royal Saudi Air Force operates a fleet that includes advanced models like the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-15, playing a significant role in regional security and operations.