Turkey's recent move to procure 100 F404 engines for its Hurjet light fighter jet has significant implications for India's Tejas Mk1A program.
As both aircraft rely on the same engine family, the increased demand from Turkey could potentially expedite GE Aerospace's production expansion, ultimately benefiting India by ensuring a more steady supply of F404 engines for its Tejas fleet.
India's Tejas Mk1A program has been facing delays partly due to challenges in securing its share of F404 engines amidst a global surge in demand. While the Tejas Mk1A's F404-GE-IN20 variant is the highest thrust model in the family, the overall increase in F404 orders creates pressure on GE Aerospace's production capacity.
However, the Turkish order, along with other international demands like the T-7A Red Hawk and continued Korean T-50 orders, is driving GE Aerospace to ramp up F404 production. This renewed interest in the F404 engine family, once nearing obsolescence, presents a silver lining for India.
As GE Aerospace expands its capacity to meet global demand, India could see a more reliable supply of engines for its Tejas Mk1A program, potentially accelerating deliveries and bolstering its air force capabilities.
The F404 engine's resurgence highlights its enduring value for light fighter and trainer aircraft. While the US Navy has shifted to the more powerful F414 for its Super Hornets, the F404's proven performance, reliability, and adaptability make it a compelling choice for nations developing indigenous combat platforms like Turkey and India.
In conclusion, while Turkey's F404 order might initially seem like added competition for India, it could ultimately prove beneficial by stimulating GE Aerospace's production expansion. This, in turn, could streamline the supply of F404 engines to India, enabling faster Tejas Mk1A deliveries and strengthening the Indian Air Force
The F404 engine's revival underscores its continued relevance in the global aerospace landscape, offering a potential win-win scenario for both Turkey and India as GE Aerospace scales up to meet the growing demand.
