After a delay of nearly two years, General Electric (GE), the US-based manufacturer, has now delivered the first of the 99 engines contracted for the Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets. This development comes as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expected to accelerate production of the long-delayed indigenous jet.
However, HAL still faces challenges, including pending tests for the Astra air-to-air missile integration on the Tejas Mark-1A, as well as the integration of several critical systems. These factors have all contributed to the delays in production.
In recent weeks, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, expressed dissatisfaction with HAL, emphasizing the urgent need for India to induct at least 40 fighter jets annually to maintain operational readiness, as the Air Force is currently in a difficult position with insufficient numbers.
According to earlier reports, the first of the 99 F-404 turbofan engines, contracted by HAL for Rs 5,375 crore in August 2021, was expected in March. GE had committed to delivering 12 engines in the first year and 20 engines annually thereafter.
On Wednesday, GE Aerospace announced the successful delivery of the first engine, which involved the complex task of restarting the F-404 production line after a five-year hiatus and re-establishing connections with the global supply chain.
HAL, in turn, has stated that it plans to gradually increase production, aiming for 20 Tejas jets per year, and eventually 24 per year, with the third production line in Nashik now operational, joining the existing two lines in Bengaluru.
To date, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has received only 38 of the 40 Tejas Mark-1 fighters ordered under contracts worth Rs 8,802 crore, signed in 2006 and 2010. The first of the improved Tejas Mark-1A jets, part of a deal for 83 units valued at Rs 46,898 crore in February 2021, is yet to be delivered. Additionally, there is an order for 97 more Tejas Mark-1A jets worth Rs 67,000 crore, which is also in the pipeline.
The IAF is also expecting 220 Tejas jets, including the more advanced Tejas Mark-2 variant, which will feature more powerful GE F-414 engines with a 98 kN thrust. These aircraft are crucial to the IAF’s operations, as the force is currently operating just 30 fighter squadrons, well below the authorized 42.5 squadrons needed to meet the dual challenges posed by China and Pakistan.
Finally, HAL and GE are engaged in finalizing techno-commercial negotiations for the co-production of the GE-F414 engines in India, which includes an 80% transfer of technology, valued at approximately $1.5 billion.
