In order to expedite the delivery of General Electric (GE) F404 engines for its domestic TEJAS MK-1A light combat aircraft, India is actively participating in defense negotiations with the United States.
India has already gotten two F404 engines after more than a year of delays, and a third is expected to arrive this month. GE has agreed to provide one engine each month at first, then two engines per month starting in October.
The goal of this acceleration is to facilitate the manufacture and introduction of the first 99 TEJAS MK-1A combatants that India has ordered.
A follow-on purchase for an additional 97 TEJAS MK-1A fighters is also being finalized by India, and the procurement agreement for the F404 engines is anticipated to be signed by the end of August. In light of the anticipated reduction in fighter squadron strength to 29 and the scheduled retirement of older MiG squadrons, this expansion demonstrates India’s dedication to improving its air force capabilities.
In order to power next-generation aircraft like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the TEJAS MK-2, more technical discussions are being held regarding the purchase of more sophisticated F414 engines from the US. The technical stage of these negotiations is over, and final agreements are expected in the upcoming months.
India has kept up its progress in defense procurement with the US despite recent geopolitical tensions, including a large tariff hike by then-US President Donald Trump that imposed a 50% levy on Indian imports because New Delhi bought Russian oil.
Reports that India would halt or terminate defense agreements with the United States have been openly denied by government authorities, who have referred to them as “false and fabricated.” Other significant defense acquisitions are also being discussed, such as the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program and negotiations for six more P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy.
The French Rafale, which is now in stock, has apparently been suggested by the Indian Air Force for the MRFA; however, other US fighters, Swedish versions, and the Russian Su-35 are also being considered. Notably, there has been no indication that the US F-35 fighter jet is a competitor.
In line with its Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) plan, India’s overall defense strategy prioritizes the development of domestic aircraft while judiciously adding foreign purchases to its fleet to fill capability gaps. India’s emphasis on preserving operational preparedness and successfully updating its air combat capabilities is shown in its accelerated procurement activities, which were further stepped up after Operation Sindoor.
Significant progress on TEJAS MK-1A fighter engine deliveries, the near-finalization of a sizable follow-on order, ongoing negotiations for future engine supplies for next-generation aircraft, and ongoing cooperation in spite of trade tensions related to tariffs are all highlights of India’s defense talks with the US. These events demonstrate how important and robust Indo-US defense ties are in the face of shifting geopolitical and economic obstacles.
