India pursues ambitious plan for 500 Fighter Jets production: Tackling Engine dependency on GE and exploring alternatives
India is setting its sights on an ambitious plan to manufacture approximately 500 fighter jets over the next two decades. However, this ambitious goal is shadowed by major challenges, particularly concerning the supply of aircraft engines. The Indian Air Force (IAF) aims to significantly boost its combat capabilities through the production of several aircraft models, including Tejas Mk-1A, Tejas Mk-2, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and the Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighters (TEDBF) for the Indian Navy. Yet, delays in engine supplies from General Electric (GE) have already impacted production timelines.
The Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet production has been notably affected by delays in the delivery of F404 engines from GE. Due to these disruptions, only two aircraft are expected to be produced this year instead of the planned 18 units. The delays have been linked to the bankruptcy of a South Korean company involved in manufacturing critical components for engine assembly, which disrupted GE's supply chain.
In light of these setbacks, India is considering imposing penalties on GE for missing delivery timelines. High-level meetings with U.S. officials have seen the Indian government emphasize the necessity of on-time engine deliveries to support vital national defense projects. While GE has promised to resume engine supplies by April of the following year, the long-term effects of these delays are yet to be fully determined.
The IAF is currently operating with only 31 squadrons, which falls significantly short of the 42 squadrons required to counter threats from neighboring countries like China and Pakistan effectively. With older aircraft fleets, such as the MiG-21s and other Soviet-era jets, scheduled for retirement, there is an urgent need to accelerate the production of new fighter jets to maintain the nation's defense readiness.
India's ambitious fighter jet production targets include:
- 180 Tejas Mk-1A Jets
- 108 Tejas Mk-2 Jets
- 126 AMCA Jets
- 100 Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter Jets (TEDBF)
Achieving these production goals is contingent on securing a stable and reliable engine supply. India is evaluating long-term collaboration options with GE and exploring partnerships with France's Safran for local engine manufacturing. This decision will have significant implications for India's defense strategy and international partnerships. While domestic engine development has been historically challenging, recent advancements in indigenous technology suggest potential self-reliance in the future.
India’s push for a robust domestic engine industry includes various initiatives. The Kaveri engine program for the Tejas fighter jets and the Kaveri 2.0 development for the AMCA are promising projects. If successful, these programs would be crucial in powering future Indian fighter jets and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.
Additionally, France has presented an alternative with its 110-kilonewton engine, developed jointly by Safran and DRDO for the AMCA 5th Generation Stealth Fighter. This engine could also be adapted for the Tejas Mk-2, providing a viable option if India decides to move away from the American GE F414 engines. Discussions between Safran and DRDO are ongoing to finalize specifications that align with India's future fighter jet requirements.
The IAF’s current fleet size poses a strategic challenge, with 31 squadrons in operation against the ideal 42 needed for comprehensive defense capabilities. The plan to produce 500 new fighter jets over the next two decades is a critical step toward addressing this gap and bolstering India's air power.
Successfully implementing this extensive production plan, while ensuring a dependable engine supply, will be crucial for India's defense infrastructure. The next two decades represent a pivotal period for the IAF, as the nation works to secure its airspace and maintain its strategic edge in the region.
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