The Indian Air Force (IAF) will now await the arrival of its first Tejas Mark-1A jets until mid-2025, following further delays in the delivery of critical F4-4-IN20 engines from US-based General Electric (GE) Aerospace. This setback pushes delivery timelines back by two years, with GE citing complex supply chain challenges, notably involving a South Korean partner facing financial difficulties that have disrupted the availability of essential engine components.
GE Aerospace had initially planned to begin engine deliveries in 2023 under a 716 million dollar contract to support India’s production of 4.5-generation fighter aircraft. However, after discussions prompted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during recent US diplomatic engagements, GE has committed to a revised delivery schedule starting in March 2025. The Indian government, as a temporary measure, has urged GE to transfer component manufacturing technology to India to allow local production and mitigate the ongoing supply chain issues.
The IAF has expressed disappointment over the slow progress of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A program, as noted in a Times of India report. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), responsible for assembling and delivering the aircraft, now expects to produce only two to three Tejas Mark-1A jets in the 2024-25 fiscal year. This falls significantly short of the 16 jets initially promised for delivery under the Rs 46,898 crore contract for 83 aircraft signed in February 2021.
A source quoted by Times of India indicated that while HAL has the contractual authority to invoke penalty clauses, the Indian government is working with GE and HAL to find a solution to the logistical challenges rather than pursuing penalties. As per the contract, HAL and GE are currently finalising negotiations for the co-production of the more advanced GE-F414 engines within India.
This endeavour, which aims for 80 per cent technology transfer under a 1 billion dollar agreement, will support the production of the planned Tejas Mark-II fighters, enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities for critical aerospace components.
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