IAF May Only Get 2 Tejas Mk1A This Fiscal Year Amidst Further Delays in GE F-404 Engine Deliveries

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a significant setback in its modernization plans as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will likely deliver only two Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets by the end of this fiscal year, instead of the anticipated 18. This delay is attributed to ongoing supply chain issues plaguing General Electric (GE), the manufacturer of the critical F404 engines that power the Tejas.

The Tejas Mark-1A, an advanced version of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, represents a crucial step in enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities. A ₹48,000 crore contract was signed in February 2021 for 83 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft, with deliveries expected to commence by March 2024. However, GE's struggle to meet engine requirements due to supply chain bottlenecks has thrown a wrench in the plans.

Sources reveal that GE can currently provide only two F404 engines, enough for just two Tejas Mark-1A jets. This shortfall leaves the IAF facing a considerable gap in its combat preparedness schedule, as the service was banking on the 18 jets to bolster its frontline squadrons.

"India will be receiving these two engines, allowing HAL to produce and deliver only two aircraft to the IAF by March 2025," sources confirmed. This delay raises concerns about the IAF's wartime preparedness, as the Tejas Mark-1A fleet was intended to play a crucial role in strengthening its operational capabilities.

While HAL is not directly responsible for this setback, the company now faces the challenge of adjusting its production timeline. The delayed supply of F404 engines could also impact delivery targets in the coming years if the supply chain issues persist.

This situation highlights the complexities of modern defensc procurement and the reliance on global supply chains. It underscores the need for diversification and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities to mitigate such risks in the future.

Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently clarified that no penalties have been imposed on General Electric (GE) for delays in the engines deliveries. However, reports indicate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have raised the issue with US officials during recent visits, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the engine delivery delays.

 

[Manish Jha]

Whatever the aircraft the new iteration is, at least it can be produced and delivered on time. I don't care if it is LCA or XYZ, hopefully just an engine change would not take another 10 years. Building from scratch is different then tweeting the existing systems to accomated changes, when you have gone through the rigor of building the product. That is the beauty of owning the design and IP right, and understanding all the parts how it will behave.

Again you are wrong. Changing engine here is equivalent to creating new aircraft. As per the engine... The dimension of the aircraft would change and the project would again start with wind tunnel testing.

 

[RG]

Again you are wrong. Changing engine here is equivalent to creating new aircraft. As per the engine... The dimension of the aircraft would change and the project would again start with wind tunnel testing.

Nothing wrong with it, it will be better solution to continuous threat of sanctions and supply. If you stick to defeatist mentallity nothing will be achieved. no risk no reward, only slavery.

 

[Pad UwU]

This is a big blunder, we should start opting for Gripen E/F instead from the start 😹😹😹😹

 

[Anant]

I believe it's almost impossible to reengine a jet with a different engine in future,it's far too cumbersome and expensive of an endeavour.

Massive design chances, Sir. Especially if the new engine is of a different profile than the existing one.

 

[Anant]

Better go for RD33MK, comparable weight, assuming dimensions also similar, and thrust is equivalent to ge404. India has been producing RD33, so there wont be much issues. Regarding certification for use of RD33 on single engine jet then, it can be fastpaced.

Boss, the RD-33 is larger than the F404. The weight is broadly comparable, but the dimensions are larger. Even if you could work that in, the problem would be maintenance.

The RD-33 has a MTBO of around 650 hours, while the F404 has a MTBO of 1,000 hours. The F404 also has a longer operational life of 6,500 hours to roughly 3,700 hours for the RD-33.

As for fast-tracking certification, assuming you don't have to make design changes large enough to necessitate a complete re-testing of the airframe, you would still need a large regimen of flight tests, which is a 3-4 year endeavour at the least.

 

[Anant]

Why not IAF build its own engine program

They have tried, and have been trying for almost 40 years now. So far, we have the Kaveri, which is a decent-ish (albeit untested) engine with a thrust level just about sufficient for the Tejas.