With GE Resolving F404 Engine Delays, HAL Now Poised to Market Its Cost-effective Tejas Mk1A Fighter for Exports

India's state-owned aerospace and defence company, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is set to aggressively renew its international marketing efforts for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A.

This strategic push comes after General Electric (GE) Aerospace committed to an accelerated delivery schedule for the F404-IN20 engines, resolving a two-year delay that had previously constrained production and stalled export discussions.

With the critical engine supply chain now stabilising, HAL is confident in its ability to meet domestic orders for the Indian Air Force (IAF) while simultaneously pursuing foreign sales.

The renewed export drive is bolstered by significant domestic demand, with an existing contract for 83 jets and government approval for an additional 97 aircraft.

This combined order for 180 Tejas Mk1A fighters creates a robust and long-term production pipeline, allowing HAL to expand its manufacturing capacity.

The assurance of a steady engine supply from GE positions the Indian fighter as a reliable and competitive option for nations looking to modernise their air forces, strengthening India's goal to become a major player in the global defence market.

The Tejas Mk1A is a single-engine, 4.5-generation multi-role fighter aircraft featuring advanced systems, including an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a modern electronic warfare suite, and an array of sophisticated weaponry.

The aircraft's performance is powered by the GE F404-IN20 engine, a proven turbofan capable of producing 84 kilonewtons of thrust. Production of this engine was temporarily halted due to a five-year gap in orders between 2016 and 2021, which was further complicated by global supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant delays from the initially planned delivery date of March 2023.

Under the revised plan, GE has already delivered the first two engines this year and is set to supply a total of 12 by December 2025 by providing two units per month.

Starting in 2026, the delivery rate will increase to 20 engines annually. To meet the large domestic order and cater to potential export clients, HAL is reportedly negotiating to further increase this supply to 30 units per year by 2027.

This resolution has effectively removed a major production bottleneck, allowing HAL to plan its manufacturing schedule with greater certainty.

Reflecting the strength of their long-standing relationship, HAL has chosen not to impose financial penalties on GE for the delays.

This decision underscores the strategic importance of the 40-year partnership, which is set to deepen with a landmark 2023 agreement for the joint production of the more powerful F414 engine in India.

This future collaboration, which includes an 80% technology transfer, will power India's next-generation aircraft like the LCA Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), ensuring a self-reliant engine supply for decades.

A key advantage of the Tejas Mk1A on the international stage is its cost-effectiveness, with a price tag estimated between $40 to $50 million per aircraft. This is substantially lower than Western competitors such as the F-16 or Gripen, which can cost between $70 to $100 million.

This competitive pricing has already attracted interest from several countries, including Argentina, Egypt, Nigeria, and the Philippines. Previously, HAL had to pause these negotiations to prioritise deliveries to the IAF, which urgently needs to address its depleting squadron numbers, currently at 31 against a sanctioned strength of 42.

With the engine supply issue resolved, HAL is now able to confidently re-engage with potential international customers. The aircraft is being marketed as an affordable, high-performance solution for nations seeking to replace ageing fleets of fighters like the MiG-21 or F-5.

Its ability to carry a mix of indigenous weapons, such as the Astra beyond-visual-range missile, and integrate with NATO-standard systems makes it a versatile and attractive option.

HAL officials have confirmed that by 2026, production capacity will be sufficient to fulfil export orders without impacting its primary commitment to the Indian Air Force.

 

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[Tapas Kumar Ghosh]

HAL first complete the supply of 83+97 Tejas to IAF including the stockpile some reserved 404 engines in time before US put sanctions for Jet engines to India. If India try to Export Tejas to another country, obviously US will stop supply of Jet engines to India as they will not facilitate India to be a challenger of their Arms supply network.

 

[Snowstrike]

Very interesting, considering the fact that the Tejas mk1a's ENTIRE ECCM capability comes from ONE singular jamming pod! The Israeli ELM8222. It is EXTREMELY underpowered, has a horrible survability against modern jets, and is STILL being procured in massive numbers. Are they really replacing the MiG-21 'Flying Coffin' with a Floating grave? Screaming 'Atmanirbhar Bharat!' from the rooftops does NOT change the fact that this is pointless. Come 2050, its gonna be obsolete. While the world moves on the the 6th generation of fighters, and China mass-produces J-20 5th gens, our babus are hyping up a barely-respectable 4.5 gen. (I consider it a 4++ gen, not worthy of the 4.5 gen title, but for the sake of uniformity using it.) What ARE the Tejas mk1a's strengths? Well, nothing. yes, nothing. It doesnt do well in ANYTHING. Radar, EW, Payload, ECCM, all next to ZERO. A radar which is modern yes, but underpowered, a midget-sized payload of 3.5 tonnes, and ECCM which consists of one singular pod, compared to the integrated EW + several pods of modern fighters. But of course, our MoD babus are great at acquiring worthless pieces of metal as 'stopgaps' after all.

 

[智子 伊瀬]

Very interesting, considering the fact that the Tejas mk1a's ENTIRE ECCM capability comes from ONE singular jamming pod! The Israeli ELM8222. It is EXTREMELY underpowered, has a horrible survability against modern jets, and is STILL being procured in massive numbers. Are they really replacing the MiG-21 'Flying Coffin' with a Floating grave? Screaming 'Atmanirbhar Bharat!' from the rooftops does NOT change the fact that this is pointless. Come 2050, its gonna be obsolete. While the world moves on the the 6th generation of fighters, and China mass-produces J-20 5th gens, our babus are hyping up a barely-respectable 4.5 gen. (I consider it a 4++ gen, not worthy of the 4.5 gen title, but for the sake of uniformity using it.) What ARE the Tejas mk1a's strengths? Well, nothing. yes, nothing. It doesnt do well in ANYTHING. Radar, EW, Payload, ECCM, all next to ZERO. A radar which is modern yes, but underpowered, a midget-sized payload of 3.5 tonnes, and ECCM which consists of one singular pod, compared to the integrated EW + several pods of modern fighters. But of course, our MoD babus are great at acquiring worthless pieces of metal as 'stopgaps' after all.

Tejas has a Scorpius-SPJ, which is very different from the basic ELM8222.
Tejas is an enemy for Pakistan's most mass-produced fighter, the JF-17.

 

[Snowstrike]

Tejas has a Scorpius-SPJ, which is very different from the basic ELM8222.
Tejas is an enemy for Pakistan's most mass-produced fighter, the JF-17.

The scorpius is an AESA evolution of the 8222, including several advanced features like LPI. While it is good, it is still woefully underpowered for a modern fighter, while usually requires a well-integrated internal EW suite, ALONG with external pods. As for the JF-17, trying to build a fighter equivalent to it is a VERY low bar, especially when the real threat, China, is mass-producing 5th gens.

 

[智子 伊瀬]

The scorpius is an AESA evolution of the 8222, including several advanced features like LPI. While it is good, it is still woefully underpowered for a modern fighter, while usually requires a well-integrated internal EW suite, ALONG with external pods. As for the JF-17, trying to build a fighter equivalent to it is a VERY low bar, especially when the real threat, China, is mass-producing 5th gens.

Tejas in any version isn't capable of fighting the J-20, it is needed first of all to contain Pakistan and fill the gaps. Against the J-20, Kaan (Pakistan will obviously get it in the 30s, when the Turks finish their engine) and J-35, 5th generation fighters and 4th generation fighters with powerful radars.

 

[indigenous_29]

Very interesting, considering the fact that the Tejas mk1a's ENTIRE ECCM capability comes from ONE singular jamming pod! The Israeli ELM8222. It is EXTREMELY underpowered, has a horrible survability against modern jets, and is STILL being procured in massive numbers. Are they really replacing the MiG-21 'Flying Coffin' with a Floating grave? Screaming 'Atmanirbhar Bharat!' from the rooftops does NOT change the fact that this is pointless. Come 2050, its gonna be obsolete. While the world moves on the the 6th generation of fighters, and China mass-produces J-20 5th gens, our babus are hyping up a barely-respectable 4.5 gen. (I consider it a 4++ gen, not worthy of the 4.5 gen title, but for the sake of uniformity using it.) What ARE the Tejas mk1a's strengths? Well, nothing. yes, nothing. It doesnt do well in ANYTHING. Radar, EW, Payload, ECCM, all next to ZERO. A radar which is modern yes, but underpowered, a midget-sized payload of 3.5 tonnes, and ECCM which consists of one singular pod, compared to the integrated EW + several pods of modern fighters. But of course, our MoD babus are great at acquiring worthless pieces of metal as 'stopgaps' after all.

Exactly. 83+32(existing MK1) are more than enough. Tejas MK2 should be the minimum bar which matches Chinese J-10C.

 

[Snowstrike]

Exactly. 83+32(existing MK1) are more than enough. Tejas MK2 should be the minimum bar which matches Chinese J-10C.

Agreed! J10C's are solid 4.5 gens, forming the backbone of China's air power, while the large majority of our fleet is made up of obsolete or nearing obsolescence aircraft. They're also mass-producing J20s to take over as the backbone.

 

[Snowstrike]

Tejas in any version isn't capable of fighting the J-20, it is needed first of all to contain Pakistan and fill the gaps. Against the J-20, Kaan (Pakistan will obviously get it in the 30s, when the Turks finish their engine) and J-35, 5th generation fighters and 4th generation fighters with powerful radars.

Containing Pakistan and filling the gaps is a solid idea- but I feel the Tejas mk1a does not suit the job. From its induction, it has been nearing obsolescence. By 2050, its gonna be woefully obsolete against China's 6th gens and giant amount of 5th gens. It is not a forward-thinking or long term solution- spending billions it now is just gonna take up funds which are desperately needed in other sectors.

 

[智子 伊瀬]

Containing Pakistan and filling the gaps is a solid idea- but I feel the Tejas mk1a does not suit the job. From its induction, it has been nearing obsolescence. By 2050, its gonna be woefully obsolete against China's 6th gens and giant amount of 5th gens. It is not a forward-thinking or long term solution- spending billions it now is just gonna take up funds which are desperately needed in other sectors.

Need to invest in AMCA (the land variant could have been made bigger, and the current characteristics are more suitable for a carrier-based fighter) and the purchase of 5th generation fighters (F-35A, Su-57). I don't see the point in wasting money on Mk2 and TEDBF, if India want another advanced 4th generation, it's easier to buy a KF-21

 

[Snowstrike]

Need to invest in AMCA (the land variant could have been made bigger, and the current characteristics are more suitable for a carrier-based fighter) and the purchase of 5th generation fighters (F-35A, Su-57). I don't see the point in wasting money on Mk2 and TEDBF, if India want another advanced 4th generation, it's easier to buy a KF-21

I concur. Investing in 5.5 gen fighter programs is essential to India's long term growth. As for the AMCA mk1, its a 'stopgap' as they call it, until the mk2 is ready. The mk2 is just better across-the-spectrum than the mk1. I dont think buying a foreign 5th gen is a good idea right now. Here's why: The US is not gonna sell India any F-35s, and news surrounding that was not true or credible. The Su-57 is a marketed as a 5th gen, while in reality it is not considered a true 5th gen. It has subpar stealth- most estimates put it between 0.1-0.3m2 frontal. It has several exposed surfaces, nozzles, and joints, increasing its RCS. It also has an EW suite (L402 Himalayas) which is widely considered to be below modern western EWs qualitatively. For TEDBF- I agree. I personally think a naval 5th gen (think F-35C) would be a good option.

 

[智子 伊瀬]

I concur. Investing in 5.5 gen fighter programs is essential to India's long term growth. As for the AMCA mk1, its a 'stopgap' as they call it, until the mk2 is ready. The mk2 is just better across-the-spectrum than the mk1. I dont think buying a foreign 5th gen is a good idea right now. Here's why: The US is not gonna sell India any F-35s, and news surrounding that was not true or credible. The Su-57 is a marketed as a 5th gen, while in reality it is not considered a true 5th gen. It has subpar stealth- most estimates put it between 0.1-0.3m2 frontal. It has several exposed surfaces, nozzles, and joints, increasing its RCS. It also has an EW suite (L402 Himalayas) which is widely considered to be below modern western EWs qualitatively. For TEDBF- I agree. I personally think a naval 5th gen (think F-35C) would be a good option.

0.1 is the average RCS, the frontal one should be much smaller. If we rely on Russian sources that estimate the Su-57 RCS in such ranges, then we will have to pay attention to their words about the stealth of the F-22 and F-35, which do not coincide with those declared by Lockheed-Martin. No one argues that the Su-57 is inferior in stealth to the F-22 and F-35, but this is not a reason to remove it from the 5th generation. Still, since the prototype was built and the first flight, it has changed quite a lot for the better. The F-35 was offered, but in case of purchase, a separate modification will have to be made, as the Jews did with the F-35I Adir, on which they installed their equipment and weapons.

The TAI Kaan will be the most dangerous adversary from Pakistan and serious aircraft will be needed against it. The J-35 is primarily a naval aircraft, therefore its characteristics are somewhat weaker than those of the Kaan, although this does not particularly reduce the danger

 

[Snowstrike]

0.1 is the average RCS, the frontal one should be much smaller. If we rely on Russian sources that estimate the Su-57 RCS in such ranges, then we will have to pay attention to their words about the stealth of the F-22 and F-35, which do not coincide with those declared by Lockheed-Martin. No one argues that the Su-57 is inferior in stealth to the F-22 and F-35, but this is not a reason to remove it from the 5th generation. Still, since the prototype was built and the first flight, it has changed quite a lot for the better. The F-35 was offered, but in case of purchase, a separate modification will have to be made, as the Jews did with the F-35I Adir, on which they installed their equipment and weapons.

The TAI Kaan will be the most dangerous adversary from Pakistan and serious aircraft will be needed against it. The J-35 is primarily a naval aircraft, therefore its characteristics are somewhat weaker than those of the Kaan, although this does not particularly reduce the danger

0.1 is the BEST case scenario for the su57, and it is indeed the frontal RCS. Russian sources and the media are, if it was unclear earlier, not credible sources. The Russian Federation severely curtails media freedom, and many are run/funded directly from the government. The Su-57s failure is a key reason why they are ramping up production of the Su-35S for combat operations- and why they have only 22-40 after several decades of development and failed timelines. Russian EW is also notably subpar to the best western systems. This was a key reason why India left the FGFA in 2018 after being fleeced $300mil. As for the F-35, no credible sources reported any offer of it being made to India- the majority was forum speculation. For a partner like India, the US would never offer the level of modification as they did with the F-35I. While the TAI Kaan is a threat, we do not know if it will be exported to Pakistan yet. If it is, India would definitely need to bank more on its AMCA for superiority. J-35s are 5th gen fighters, but they are naval. Pakistan will not be acquiring them anytime soon- they will focus on their other 4.5 gens, as the economy is already stretched barebones. The J35 might be viable in the future if Shenyang makes a non-naval variant, and is subsidized by the Chinese government. India's best course of action according to me: Finish the AMCA mk2, induct it in large numbers as a frontline fighter, and allocate resources to a 6th gen program, like the GCAP. I'm aware has nowhere near the industrial readyness for a 6th gen, and that will be post-2050 most likely.

 

[智子 伊瀬]

0.1 is the BEST case scenario for the su57, and it is indeed the frontal RCS. Russian sources and the media are, if it was unclear earlier, not credible sources. The Russian Federation severely curtails media freedom, and many are run/funded directly from the government. The Su-57s failure is a key reason why they are ramping up production of the Su-35S for combat operations- and why they have only 22-40 after several decades of development and failed timelines. Russian EW is also notably subpar to the best western systems. This was a key reason why India left the FGFA in 2018 after being fleeced $300mil. As for the F-35, no credible sources reported any offer of it being made to India- the majority was forum speculation. For a partner like India, the US would never offer the level of modification as they did with the F-35I. While the TAI Kaan is a threat, we do not know if it will be exported to Pakistan yet. If it is, India would definitely need to bank more on its AMCA for superiority. J-35s are 5th gen fighters, but they are naval. Pakistan will not be acquiring them anytime soon- they will focus on their other 4.5 gens, as the economy is already stretched barebones. The J35 might be viable in the future if Shenyang makes a non-naval variant, and is subsidized by the Chinese government. India's best course of action according to me: Finish the AMCA mk2, induct it in large numbers as a frontline fighter, and allocate resources to a 6th gen program, like the GCAP. I'm aware has nowhere near the industrial readyness for a 6th gen, and that will be post-2050 most likely.

The assessments are very different, and the attitude towards the Su-57 in the US press changes over time, now it is "not trash and a good aircraft". The production of the Su-57 is only increasing (a new line is being opened and new equipment for testing is being received), as for the Su-30, Su-34, Su-35, they are made at different factories and production lines, so deliveries of these aircraft often occur simultaneously. Moreover, the Su-34 and Su-35 manage to be exported to Algeria, despite the war. China sells the fighters to Pakistan at a reduced price and on credit, Pakistani pilots are already learning to fly the J-35. The Turks directly say that they will export the Kaan to Pakistan. GCAP is closed to other countries, India is 1.5 years late.

 

[Snowstrike]

The assessments are very different, and the attitude towards the Su-57 in the US press changes over time, now it is "not trash and a good aircraft". The production of the Su-57 is only increasing (a new line is being opened and new equipment for testing is being received), as for the Su-30, Su-34, Su-35, they are made at different factories and production lines, so deliveries of these aircraft often occur simultaneously. Moreover, the Su-34 and Su-35 manage to be exported to Algeria, despite the war. China sells the fighters to Pakistan at a reduced price and on credit, Pakistani pilots are already learning to fly the J-35. The Turks directly say that they will export the Kaan to Pakistan. GCAP is closed to other countries, India is 1.5 years late.

It seems there are a few misconceptions about the Su-57- It is not a true 5th gen. It is a solid plane, yes,, but does not match India's need. Like I mentioned, the subpar stealth and inferior EW make it susceptible to cutting edge aircraft being developed. The Algeria deal was signed in 2019, and it is now 6 years later that deliveries are ramping up. Amidst the Ukraine war, Russia has struggled to keep its own air force flying- delaying deliveries to export customers in favor of its own needs. The TAI Kaan and J-35, if exported to Pakistan, would be a threat. However, India is directly attempting to counter it via its own AMCA program, slated to be inducted in 2035. As for the GCAP, India was invited to join the program, but it refused out of fears of being a 'junior partner' and 'cost-sharer'.

 

[智子 伊瀬]

It seems there are a few misconceptions about the Su-57- It is not a true 5th gen. It is a solid plane, yes,, but does not match India's need. Like I mentioned, the subpar stealth and inferior EW make it susceptible to cutting edge aircraft being developed. The Algeria deal was signed in 2019, and it is now 6 years later that deliveries are ramping up. Amidst the Ukraine war, Russia has struggled to keep its own air force flying- delaying deliveries to export customers in favor of its own needs. The TAI Kaan and J-35, if exported to Pakistan, would be a threat. However, India is directly attempting to counter it via its own AMCA program, slated to be inducted in 2035. As for the GCAP, India was invited to join the program, but it refused out of fears of being a 'junior partner' and 'cost-sharer'.

GCAP is already closed for entry at the request of Japan. The fate of FCAS is unknown, although France has a developed industry, technologies and experience and will be able to complete the project even without Germany. The real contract seems to have been signed recently, in 2019 there were only rumors from Morocco.

 

[Snowstrike]

GCAP is already closed for entry at the request of Japan. The fate of FCAS is unknown, although France has a developed industry, technologies and experience and will be able to complete the project even without Germany. The real contract seems to have been signed recently, in 2019 there were only rumors from Morocco.

Japan itself was the nation which extended the invite to India, supported by the UK. Plus I never said India should've joined the GCAP. The FCAS program is plagued by internal strife and disagreements between France and Germany/Spain along the lines of workload share. The deal was signed in 2019- thats why planes are being delivered now, 6 years later. If the deal was signed recently, nothing would be delivered up until 2031 atleast.

 

[智子 伊瀬]

Japan itself was the nation which extended the invite to India, supported by the UK. Plus I never said India should've joined the GCAP. The FCAS program is plagued by internal strife and disagreements between France and Germany/Spain along the lines of workload share. The deal was signed in 2019- thats why planes are being delivered now, 6 years later. If the deal was signed recently, nothing would be delivered up until 2031 atleast.

Britain invited. Japan insisted on closing the project from others, including the very rich Saudi Arabia, despite the fact that Britain and Italy were for the participation of the Arabs. Frankly, the Swedes should not have left this program, on the other hand, SAAB may well create a consortium with India for further development of advanced fighters.

Dassault can create the aircraft in partnership with Spain, which doesn't claim a large volume of work and Paris has no claims against Madrid; it all comes down to money.

If the Su-75 takes off, it could be a nice addition to the AMCA.

 

[Snowstrike]

Britain invited. Japan insisted on closing the project from others, including the very rich Saudi Arabia, despite the fact that Britain and Italy were for the participation of the Arabs. Frankly, the Swedes should not have left this program, on the other hand, SAAB may well create a consortium with India for further development of advanced fighters.

Dassault can create the aircraft in partnership with Spain, which doesn't claim a large volume of work and Paris has no claims against Madrid; it all comes down to money.

Nope. If you would take the time out of your day to find out about this topic, it is very well-known: Japan and the UK extended an offer to India to join the GCAP. As for Saab, they will NOT create a consortium with India for a 6th gen jet- they dont have a program for it yet, and when they do, there is a next to zero chance they will partner with India for it. In the FCAS, France cannot effectively develop a 6th-gen fighter by themselves- which is why they partnered with Germany and Spain. Germany holds significant technical prowess, and cutting them out would be a silly move, not to mention it is unclear whether Spain would stick with France if that happened. None of the 3 partners have experience with 5th gen fighters- they only operate F-35s, which they do not receive any tech transfer of, and are black boxes.

 

[智子 伊瀬]

Nope. If you would take the time out of your day to find out about this topic, it is very well-known: Japan and the UK extended an offer to India to join the GCAP. As for Saab, they will NOT create a consortium with India for a 6th gen jet- they dont have a program for it yet, and when they do, there is a next to zero chance they will partner with India for it. In the FCAS, France cannot effectively develop a 6th-gen fighter by themselves- which is why they partnered with Germany and Spain. Germany holds significant technical prowess, and cutting them out would be a silly move, not to mention it is unclear whether Spain would stick with France if that happened. None of the 3 partners have experience with 5th gen fighters- they only operate F-35s, which they do not receive any tech transfer of, and are black boxes.

Britain and Italy. Japan insisted on shutting down the program back in late 2023 when information about the Arabs leaked.

SAAB has started working on the concept of a new generation fighter, loyal wingmen and other network-centric systems, this year Gripen has had good export success, so SAAB finally has money. Sweden will not be accepted into either GCAP or FCAS because the programs are either closed, or France is against new participants, it will be very expensive for Sweden to create a 6th generation fighter alone, it remains to look for a partner. Brazil has made a statement that it wants to develop a 6th generation fighter, apparently SAAB will be busy with a partnership with Embraer.
Although, it might be worthwhile to combine the efforts of SAAB, HAL and Embraer, since even with AMCA there are delays, while China is building 6th generation technology demonstrators and actively testing them.

FCAS was started when the military budgets of EU countries were laughable, now France and Spain are increasing their defense spending. Germany is certainly a rich and developed player, but the Germans have not built serial fighters of their own design since 1945, unlike the French. Spain has nowhere to go, it has abandoned the F-35, so it will hold on to FCAS until the end

 

[Snowstrike]

Britain and Italy. Japan insisted on shutting down the program back in late 2023 when information about the Arabs leaked.

SAAB has started working on the concept of a new generation fighter, loyal wingmen and other network-centric systems, this year Gripen has had good export success, so SAAB finally has money. Sweden will not be accepted into either GCAP or FCAS because the programs are either closed, or France is against new participants, it will be very expensive for Sweden to create a 6th generation fighter alone, it remains to look for a partner. Brazil has made a statement that it wants to develop a 6th generation fighter, apparently SAAB will be busy with a partnership with Embraer.
Although, it might be worthwhile to combine the efforts of SAAB, HAL and Embraer, since even with AMCA there are delays, while China is building 6th generation technology demonstrators and actively testing them.

FCAS was started when the military budgets of EU countries were laughable, now France and Spain are increasing their defense spending. Germany is certainly a rich and developed player, but the Germans have not built serial fighters of their own design since 1945, unlike the French. Spain has nowhere to go, it has abandoned the F-35, so it will hold on to FCAS until the end

I dont know where you got this information from, but I really suggest you find out more about this topic. There are some grave misconceptions here. Japan, backed by the UK, extended an invite to India to join the GCAP in 2025. Sweden will not be working with India for a 6th gen. For your FCAS point, it contains some common misconceptions about military R&D. Military budgets are not everything. Technical expertise and know-how make or break a program- which is why as of now, no matter how much money throws at a 6th gen program, it will NOT turn into reality anytime soon- and they know this, hence the aim for a 5th gen first. Your point about Germany not making any fighters since 1945 is highly inaccurate. Germany is a key nation in the Eurofighter Consortium, contributing extensively to the 4.5 gen aircraft's abilities. Overall, your message has several factual errors and inaccuracies, with the remedy being a basic look-over of items of interest. However, your point about China developing a 6th gen is correct- they are, and they flew a testbed containing 3 engines- however it is far from mature. Thanks for the conversation, though.