India Seeks Localized Supply Chain for GE F404 Engines to Mitigate Delays and Boost Tejas Mk1A Deliveries

Following delays in the delivery of F404 engines from GE Aerospace, the Indian government is exploring strategies to localize the supply chain for this critical component of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet program. With the Indian Air Force (IAF) set to induct nearly 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, ensuring a reliable and timely supply of engines is paramount.

The IAF's ambitious plan to bolster its fleet with the indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A has hit a snag due to recent delays in F404 engine deliveries. This has raised concerns about the long-term viability of relying solely on GE's existing global supply chain, especially given the IAF's projected need for these engines over the next four decades.

In line with India's push for self-reliance in defence production under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, the government is looking to establish a localized supply chain for the F404 engines. This move aims to minimize the impact of global disruptions and ensure a steady flow of engines to support the expanding Tejas fleet.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is expected to propose that GE Aerospace transfer a portion of its F404 component manufacturing to Indian defence companies. This would involve creating a local ecosystem for the production of high-precision parts and assemblies, potentially leading to reduced lead times, lower costs, and a boost to India's aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

Key elements of this proposed initiative include:

• Workforce Training: Providing Indian engineers and technicians with the specialized training necessary to manufacture and assemble F404 engine components.
• Localized Component Production: Forging partnerships with Indian defence companies to manufacture critical F404 components within India.
• Technology Transfer: Facilitating the transfer of technology and knowledge to Indian companies to ensure adherence to stringent aerospace manufacturing standards.

In addition to bolstering local manufacturing, the IAF is also planning to establish a private sector-led Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) ecosystem for the F404 engines in India. This would ensure long-term support for the Tejas Mk1A fleet, reducing dependence on overseas facilities and minimizing aircraft downtime.

This potential collaboration with GE Aerospace could serve as a model for future partnerships in India's defence sector. A successful localized supply chain and MRO setup for the F404 engine could pave the way for similar initiatives for advanced engine programs, such as the F-414 engine intended for the Tejas MkII and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

 

[Anuj]

Go for complete license manufacturing or Tot since we are industing tejas in big numbers.

 

[Dredd]

And they are realising this 4 years after signing the contract for 99 engines and 20 years after finalising F404 as a sole engine platform for Tejas Mk1.

 

[NSR]

Not good enough move as India intend to make at least 200+ Tejas IAs for IAF and some for exports.
So it needs at least 400 to 600 F-404s over these fighters life times.

India must go for complete manufacture of GE F-404IN20 under license similar to that of 80% TOT deal India got for the more powerful F-414INS6 engine.

Doing so India gets technology and know-how for manufacturing a reliable fighter engine and gets it closer to make a successful Kaveri derivative engine with good performance for its Tejas IAs and possibly F-414 for Tejas Mk IIs and other fighters too.
India can order same machinery, tools, and test equipment to produce quality and reliable Kaveri derivative engines.

Status quo is not acceptable at all.

 

[Anant]

Go for complete license manufacturing or Tot since we are industing tejas in big numbers.

Inducting large numbers of the Tejas isn't an automatic pass to get ToT or local manufacturing of the engine. A lot of nations have truly massive numbers of US fighters, and they haven't got any of those things.

 

[Chinese eater]

If India is the largest buyer of GE 404 then India must demand local assembly and supply chain in India.

 

[M S Chatterji]

Unlikely to happen. Private sector will need a huge upgrade to buy new machine tools, license, metallurgy and training. GE is unlikely to oblige.

 

[Mridul baruah]

Another example of poor planning. These should have been done the moment project was initiated with the GE404 engine. Some blame goes to IAF also for not committing a certain number....but they had to be cautous considering the precious track records of the PSUs involved.

 

[PARASHURAM]

It depends on What GE can offer. America always protect critical technology. It is interesting see response. Still i personally believe we should review kaveri engine program.