India Eyes Russian Fighter Jet Engines Amid U.S. Delays: Strengthening Defense Ties with Russia.
India is considering strengthening its defense partnership with Russia due to delays in receiving GE-404 engines from the U.S. for its Tejas MK1A fighter jets. While the U.S. had proposed F-35 fighter jets, no official deal was made. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) faced setbacks due to engine delays, impacting the Indian Air Force's fleet. Russia's United Engine Corporation has offered advanced 5th-generation engines (117S or I177S) as an alternative, promoting longer range, fuel efficiency, and reduced maintenance. This move could deepen India-Russia defense ties and help India achieve self-reliance in military aviation.
Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to supply India with fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, though no official agreement has been finalized yet. Amid this uncertainty, reports suggest that India might soon collaborate with Russia to counter the challenges posed by the U.S., particularly regarding the production of Tejas light combat aircraft by India’s HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited).
India heavily invests in its defense sector, allocating significant funds for the Army, Air Force, and Navy. While India has traditionally relied on foreign countries for military equipment like fighter jets and missiles, Russia has been India’s most trusted defense partner. A large portion of India's military assets, including fighter jets and weapons, are sourced from Russia.
However, India is keen on reducing its dependency on foreign suppliers and aims to boost domestic production of defense equipment under the 'Make in India' initiative led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Although progress has been made, achieving complete self-reliance remains a distant goal.
Recently, during the International Aero Show in Bengaluru, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Marshal A.P. Singh criticized HAL for its inefficiency. HAL had promised to showcase 11 Tejas MK-1A light combat aircraft but failed to present even one. Of the 18 aircraft scheduled for delivery to the IAF this fiscal year, only two have been handed over, causing concern.
HAL attributed the delays to technical issues and the late delivery of GE-404 engines from the American company General Electric. In 2021, HAL signed a ₹5,375 crore deal for 99 GE-404 engines, but the delay in delivery has affected the IAF’s operational strength.
Given these challenges, India is exploring alternatives and may turn to Russia, which has consistently supported India’s defense needs. During the Aero Show, Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC) displayed its fifth-generation 177S aircraft engine and expressed interest in supplying India with alternatives to the GE-404 engines. The 177S engine boasts greater fuel efficiency, a 6,000-hour lifespan, and lower maintenance costs.
India and Russia already have strong defense ties, including a previous agreement for the AL-31FP engine, essential for the SU-30MKI fighter jets. The potential deal with UEC could not only resolve the Tejas MK-1A production delays but also further India’s goal of achieving greater self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
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