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).

 

[Chinese eater]

India won't be the largest F404 buyer. Look up the Boeing-Saab T-7.

Sooner or later our trainers and upcoming would also be using GE 404.

 

[Anant]

Kaveri has been tested on Russian test bed, making more hurdles should not be an objective.

A large passenger jet is not is not the same as a twin-engined fighter, and cannot simulate a lot of those conditions. Hence, it'll be tested on a MiG-29 now and then be put onto a Tejas.

 

[Akshat]

In his world, HAL is responsible for engine and not IAF or MoD. Same thing goes for squadron strength. The fact remains, engine and squadron strength are the prime responsibility of the air defence planners and needs investment - can’t happen just like that. We have money for wasteful and inefficient activities but not for long tail. We put in $1.5b and gave 5 years to Dassault on India specific enhancements on 36 Rafale. Mirage upgrade is altogether on a different plane - $2.5B about 15 years back and counting - no BVR and AESA radar. Not even Astra. IAF wrote off $300m on FGFA. How much did we invest in Tejas Mk1A development or their assembly line or Kaveri. We reap what we sow.

Not that HAL shines out, it’s a DPSU delivering decent RoI.

Indeed, you reap what you sow. We have all the orders to DPSUs/DRDO. We have them so much money that they couldn’t even finish it. We allowed them to waste thousands of crores and then start afresh with thousands of crores more in fresh designs. We didn’t care when they closed projects without anything to show for it for decades despite top priorities. We threw our diplomatic heft behind them to get them massive ToT from abroad. Got them consultants from abroad. Gave them money and support to go anywhere in the world and get their equipment tested. We gave them job securities and pensions. And what did we get in return? No planes, no drones, no engines. And endless waiting periods.

That’s what you get for trusting these socialist entities. We gave them everything. And all we got was betrayal. Just your average DPSU doing what it does best- nothing!

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

Why can't the engine be replaced? If need change the airframe design, we should do it. Waking up everyday and complaining about same engine issue for decades does not look proactive behaviour. Team would redesign the aircraft working day and night and make a new design that fits another jet engine. If Elon was the lead, he would make the team do it that way.

 

[Dredd]

Engines are first tested on multi-engine aircraft before being certified for testing in single-engine configuration. The idea is that if your engine fails in the early stages of testing, you have a backup engine to get back to base.

in that case why GTRE were asking for tejas prototype to test Kaveri?

 

[Anant]

in that case why GTRE were asking for tejas prototype to test Kaveri?

They are asking for a Tejas prototype besides an old MiG-29. The MiG-29 goes first, and ground tests on the Tejas can proceed simultaneously. After the MiG-29 flight tests are done, it'd be the Tejas' turn.

 

[Dredd]

They are asking for a Tejas prototype besides an old MiG-29. The MiG-29 goes first, and ground tests on the Tejas can proceed simultaneously. After the MiG-29 flight tests are done, it'd be the Tejas' turn.

So they are asking Tejas for Engine integration even before testing the afterburner section, certifying for single engine usage, weight reduction and output enhancement to 85KN,., Seems like an excuse tactics. They should atleast get the engine to desired state which can be used with tejas.

 

[Pr K Singh]

It is important to understand how the USAF would have reacted if they had to face such situations. Challenges are mounting on our borders and the whole world is watching our predicament. Donald Trump's victory is making some difference in the environment but he is only for five years. Time is running out to consider other options and take a decision. If after six months the supply chain remains the same then how to deal with it. The project is delayed and the security threats are growing. India has already invested billions of dollars in Russia's Sukhoi project earlier and other good workable options are also there!