The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) manufacturing schedules, operational preparedness, and defence capabilities are all significantly impacted by the GE F-404 engines’ delivery delay for the TEJAS MK-1A program. Important repercussions include:
The supply of TEJAS MK-1A aircraft to the IAF has been delayed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Only two to three of the sixteen jets that were originally promised for early 2024 are now anticipated to be delivered in the fiscal year 2024–2025.
Although HAL has put in place backup plans, such employing Category B engines for pre-flight testing, these are only short-term fixes that can’t completely replace the operational preparedness that the F-404 engines offer.
Delays in introducing TEJAS MK-1A aircraft have negatively impacted the IAF’s combat capabilities. The IAF is trying to update its fleet and strengthen its air combat capabilities against regional threats at the moment of this setback.
The IAF’s intentions to operationalise the sophisticated radar systems and avionics built into TEJAS MK-1A squadrons will also be postponed due to the delayed deployment of these aircraft.
Because of the technical difficulties and re-certification requirements, HAL has decided against switching to alternate engines, which would cause the program to be further delayed by years. This highlights the TEJAS MK-1A’s reliance on GE’s F-404 engines as a crucial part of its design.
Delays have been exacerbated by supply chain bottlenecks, such as manpower losses during the COVID-19 epidemic and shortages of essential components like titanium. The efficiency of manufacturing has also been hampered by GE Aerospace’s separation into separate companies.
The $716 million contract that HAL and GE Aerospace inked in 2021 may have penalty provisions that could be triggered by the delays. But rather than seeking fines, HAL seems more concerned with fixing logistical problems.
HAL’s capacity to fulfil upcoming orders for more TEJAS MK-1A aircraft beyond the original batch of 83 aircraft may be impacted by the delivery lag.
The delays draw attention to weaknesses in India’s dependence on outside vendors for vital parts like engines. This might speed up initiatives to create domestic substitutes, including bringing back the Kaveri engine program or expanding partnerships for the co-production of GE F414 engines for upcoming Tejas models.
The current delays have thrown off production timelines, impeded IAF upgrading plans, and revealed strategic dependencies that India may need to resolve for long-term self-reliance in defence manufacture. HAL and GE are aiming to stabilise engine deliveries by 2026.
