India Signs Deal with GE for 113 Engines to Power Tejas Mk-1A Fighter Jets
India has signed a deal with General Electric to procure 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets. The agreement aims to address delays caused by previous slow deliveries. Engine deliveries will occur between 2027 and 2032, supporting India's efforts to modernize its air force amid regional security challenges.
India has finalized a significant agreement with General Electric (GE) to acquire 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines for its advanced Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets. This deal is crucial for India's plan to bolster its air force, which faces a shortage of combat squadrons and the need to replace aging aircraft. The Tejas Mk-1A is a key part of India's indigenous defense program, designed to operate in high-threat environments and perform multiple roles. Previous delays in engine deliveries from GE, mainly due to supply chain disruptions after the COVID-19 pandemic, have slowed the rollout of the fighter jets. The new engines will be delivered between 2027 and 2032, supporting the production of 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. This agreement reflects strengthening defense ties between India and the United States, even as India seeks to enhance its self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The deal is also seen as a strategic move to counter growing military challenges from neighboring countries.
