In News:

GE Aerospace has commenced delivery of F404-IN20 jet engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk1A. This marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous defence production capabilities and is vital for bridging the Indian Air Force's (IAF) operational gaps.

Background on Tejas LCA Mk1A

• Tejas LCA Mk1A is an advanced version of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) developed by HAL.
• It incorporates over 40 improvements over the Mk1 variant, aimed at enhancing combat readiness, survivability, and ease of maintenance.

Key Features:

• Radar Systems:
  • Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA Radar.
  • Indigenous Uttam AESA Radar (under integration).
• Electronic Warfare:
  • Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS).
  • Advanced Self-Protection Jammer Pod.
• Weapons Capability:Nine hardpoints supporting Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles, and Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM).
• Digital Fly-by-Wire System:Upgraded Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A).
• Improved Operational Efficiency:Reduced weight, enhanced maintainability, and faster sortie turnaround.

Engine Deliveries and Production Status

• First Engine Delivered: March 26, 2025; expected in India by April.
• Engine Type: F404-IN20 by GE Aerospace – a high-thrust variant tailored for IAF needs.
• Key Engine Features:
  • Higher-flow fan, single-crystal turbine blades, and customized components.
  • Achieved Mach 1.1 during Tejas’ maiden flight in 2008.

Delivery Commitments:

• 2025 Target: 12 engines and 12 Tejas Mk1A jets to be delivered.
• Full Order: 99 engines ordered in 2021.
• Production Goal: HAL to produce 24 aircraft per year.
• Current Readiness: Three Mk1A jets flying; 11 more expected by end-2025 (10 from Bengaluru, 1 from Nasik).

Production Challenges:

• Engine production was dormant for five years.
• Reinitiating during the COVID-19 pandemic caused further delays.
• GE has now stabilized its supply chain and resumed engine production.

Strategic Importance for IAF

• Current IAF Strength: 31 fighter squadrons (sanctioned strength: 42.5).
• Urgency: Older aircraft like Jaguar, MiG-29UPG, and Mirage-2000 will begin phasing out by decade-end.
• Future Platforms: LCA Mk2 is under development; AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), India’s 5th-gen stealth fighter, is still a decade away.

Policy Push:A high-level committee led by the Defence Secretary submitted recommendations to the Defence Minister for enhancing IAF capabilities in short, medium, and long-term.