Defence

Tejas Mk-1A Setbacks: How India’s Ambitious Fighter Jet Program Faces Hurdles

Tejas and C-390 Millennium: India and Brazil's Defense Trade Vision

The Indian Air Force is facing mounting concerns over delays in the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) programme, which threatens to undermine the nation’s air combat readiness. As reported by Financialexpress.

The IAF had anticipated the delivery of the first Tejas Mk-1A jets earlier this year under a substantial Rs 48,000-crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). However, unforeseen delays have pushed back the programme’s timeline, putting pressure on the IAF’s operational capabilities.

The crux of the delay centers around the acquisition of American F404 engines, which are essential for the Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. The Indian government had contracted for 83 of these advanced jets, but a significant hold-up in the delivery of the engines has caused a 9-month delay.

Comparison between Tejas mk 1 and Tejas mk 2:Click here

This situation not only hampers the IAF’s preparedness but also casts a shadow over the indigenously-developed fighter aircraft programme. Reports indicate that while General Electric (GE), the engine manufacturer, is not encountering internal issues, the delay is attributed to complications involving various intermediaries.

These supply chain disruptions are having a ripple effect, extending beyond the Indian defence sector and impacting North America’s space industry as well. The delay is particularly troubling given the IAF’s current fleet challenges.

How will be the Tejas Mark 2 compared to the F-16 block 50/52?:Click here

By the end of 2025, the IAF’s squadron strength is projected to decrease to just 29 squadrons. This reduction is partly due to the phased retirement of the MiG-21 Bison squadrons, which have long been a cornerstone of the fleet. The expected replacement, the Tejas Mk-1A, is not anticipated to arrive on time, exacerbating the shortfall.

A significant factor in the delay is the failed attempt to develop an indigenous engine for the Tejas. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had initially embarked on the Kaveri engine project in the 1980s.

Despite substantial investment and effort, the project faced numerous technical and financial hurdles, leading to its eventual abandonment. The inability to produce a viable indigenous engine forced India to depend on foreign suppliers like GE, making the programme vulnerable to external supply chain disruptions.

In response to these challenges, the IAF has taken measures to consolidate its remaining MiG-21 squadrons to maximize operational efficiency while awaiting the arrival of the new Tejas aircraft. However, the delay underscores the pressing need for more reliable and timely production capabilities to meet the IAF’s strategic requirements.

Defence

Turkey Scraps F-16 Upgrade Deal, Chooses Domestic Tech

In a significant shift in its defense procurement strategy, Türkiye has scaled down its $23 billion F-16 fighter jet package from the United States.

The revised deal, announced on Tuesday, excludes the purchase of 79 modernization kits for its existing fleet of F-16s. Instead, Türkiye will rely on its domestic aerospace industry to upgrade its aircraft, showcasing the growing capabilities of Turkish defense manufacturers.

According to Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, Türkiye has already made an initial payment of $1.4 billion for the procurement of 40 new F-16 Block 70 Viper jets from Lockheed Martin.

Tejas and C-390 Millennium: India and Brazil’s Defense Trade Vision

“We opted out of buying the 79 modernization kits because our Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) are capable of conducting these upgrades independently,” Güler stated. The decision highlights Türkiye’s commitment to enhancing its indigenous defense capabilities while still acquiring new aircraft from the U.S.

The new agreement, which includes the 40 F-16 Block 70 jets and associated ammunition, is expected to cost approximately $7 billion.

The Block 70 variant, also known as the “Viper,” features advanced technologies such as the Northrop Grumman APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar, a modernized cockpit, improved networking capabilities, a new mission computer, enhanced electronic warfare systems, and an upgraded communications suite.

However, it remains unclear which of these upgrades Turkish Aerospace Industries will undertake independently for the existing fleet. Türkiye’s original order for the F-16 jets was placed in October 2021, two years after it was removed from the fifth-generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

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The exclusion followed Türkiye’s acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system, which led to U.S. sanctions and the termination of Türkiye’s participation in the multinational F-35 project.

Despite the setback, Türkiye remains determined to rejoin the F-35 program and acquire 40 new F-35 jets.

“We insist on reclaiming our production share and maintain our request to acquire F-35s,” Güler emphasized, adding that while there are indications of willingness from the U.S. to discuss the matter, no concrete progress has been made.

Meanwhile, Türkiye continues to advance its domestic fighter jet program. The country’s fifth-generation fighter, the Kaan, completed its maiden flight in February 2024, and mass production is expected to begin by 2028.

This ambitious project underscores Türkiye’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign military technology and bolster its domestic defense industry.