US on India-Russia: Due to India’s growing closeness with Russia, America has started acting arbitrarily. Now the news is that America is delaying the supply of engines used in Tejas fighter aircraft to India. Due to this, there has been a decrease in the production of Tejas. According to Sputnik’s report, experts say that if there is a delay in its supply, then India can also end the contract with America.
Sputnik quoted a retired Indian Air Force officer as saying, “If Washington continues to lag behind in the supply of jet engines for India’s indigenous aircraft Tejas, questions will be raised on America. In such a situation, the contract can also be terminated.”
Non-supply of engines will affect IAF
Air Marshal (Retd) M. Matheswaran said, “The delay in the supply of US F404 engines will have an immediate impact on the Indian Air Force, as 6 squadrons of Tejas Mk1 and Tejas Mk1A are set to be inducted into service soon.”
At the same time, defense expert and retired Major General from the Indian Army, PK Sehgal said that it is very important for India to have a vision. It is also to be seen what technology will come after 15 years. Apart from the fifth generation, sixth generation technology can also come. In such a situation, India also has to stay ahead of others in matters of technology.
Then the India-America contract will end
Matheswaran said, the Indian Air Force is managing with 32 squadrons instead of 45. If India does not get F414 engines for the next generation Mk2 version of the Tejas fighter aircraft, the contract will be in danger.
At the same time, media reports suggest that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the company that makes Tejas, has started thinking about alternatives for the aircraft. When the Tejas plan was started, Russia was keen to join hands with India for the Kaveri engine, but it could not happen. They believe that partnership with Russia in this field will definitely be beneficial for India.
How many Tejas are yet to be made?
Tejas is the smallest and lightest aircraft in its category. This aircraft can be used for many roles like ground attack, air-to-air combat and air defense. Tejas Mk1, Mk1A and Mk2 variants will replace the Indian Air Force’s MiG-21, MiG-29 and Jaguar in the future. These aircraft are being manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The Tejas Mark 2 is a more powerful jet and needs a bigger engine. HAL has bought eight F414 engines. The Indian Air Force wants to build 6 squadrons of the Tejas Mk2 and the prototype is expected to be tested in 2026.
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