99 f-404 engine: There are concerns about tariffs between India and America, but there is positive progress in the field of security cooperation. American aircraft engine manufacturer General Electric (GE) is preparing to hand over the first engine of 99 GE-404 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by the end of this month. This delivery is being done after a delay of two years, which will give relief to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and will speed up the Tejas MK1A program. Under this program, 83 Tejas MK1A fighter aircraft are to be supplied to the Indian Air Force.
The GE-404 engine provides strength to the Tejas Mark 1-A combat aircraft manufactured in India. The Air Force has already expressed concern over the delay in delivery of HAL by HAL. According to the officials associated with the case, the first engine is currently on the test-bed and can be assigned to HAL by the end of this month. After this, delivery of 12 engines and then 20 engines every year is planned in 2025.
HAL will get the engine by the end of March
Under the 716 million dollars contract in 2021, GE was to supply 99 f-404 engines, which was to be started from March 2023. However, this delivery was affected due to the closure of the old supplier during the supply chain and the closure of the old supplier during the epidemic. According to officials, the first engine is undergoing testing process and will be assigned to HAL by the end of March.
Work on GE-414 engine construction continues in India
GE and HAL are jointly working on the construction of GE-414 engines in India. This engine will provide strength to the advanced multi-rall combat aircraft (AMCA), which is developing the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Under this project, technology transfer is planned under the ICET agreement between India and the US.
Plan for private sector participation in AMCA construction
The Indian Air Force has expressed dissatisfaction due to the delay in supply of 83 LCA MK-1A fighter aircraft by HAL. In view of this, the Ministry of Defense, Defense Secretary R.K. Of. A committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Singh, which will work on a commercial model for the construction of the fifth generation fighter aircraft (AMCA) of India. This committee will prepare a roadmap not on technical aspects, but to ensure private sector participation. Its main objective is that India should not depend only on HAL in future and other manufacturers also contribute to fighter aircraft manufacturing.
Option of American F-35 and French Rafael
Former US President Donald Trump has proposed a supply of F-35 fifth-generation fighter jet to India. However, India is also considering the French option during this period. As part of a conversation with France, the ‘Atmibhaar Bharat’ campaign includes the proposal to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft in India and its M-88 engine. These new defense initiatives are expected to further strengthen India’s security capabilities.
