SYLLABUS

GS-3: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology. 

Context:

Recently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) sealed a $1-billion deal with American defence major General Electric (GE) Aerospace to procure 113 jet engines for its Tejas light combat aircraft programme.

More on the News

• The deal follows the government’s clearance for a ₹62,370-crore deal with HAL to procure 97 additional Tejas MK-1A light combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Under the deal, the delivery of the F404-GE-IN20 engines will begin from 2027, and the supplies will have to be completed by 2032.
• The deal was finalized despite strained India–U.S. ties following the Trump administration’s 50% tariff on Indian goods.

Engine and Aircraft Deals under India’s Fighter Jet Programme

GE-F404 Engines for Tejas Mk-1A: 

• The new deal for 113 engines follows an earlier contract for 99 GE-404 engines for the first batch of 83 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft.
• HAL plans to deliver the first 83 fighters by 2029-30 and the next 97 by 2033-34. 

Engines for Future Fighters: 

• HAL is also negotiating a deal with General Electric for approximately 200 GE-414 engines, valued at $1.5 billion.
• F414 is a more powerful, larger derivative of the F404, offering significantly higher thrust (98 kN for F414 vs. 84 kN for the F404). 
• Out of these, 162 engines are earmarked for the LCA Mk-2 programme and 10 for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) prototypes. 

About Tejas Aircraft

It is the second supersonic fighter jet developed by HAL after the HAL HF-24 Marut (“Spirit of the Tempest”). 

It is the lightest and smallest indigenous 4.5 generation, all-weather multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft in its category, designed to accommodate various types of weaponry.

It is a single-seater fighter aircraft with a single engine.

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Programme: 

• Objective: To replace the Indian Air Force's ageing MiG-21 fleet and to develop India's indigenous aerospace capabilities.
• Design and manufacturing: The project is managed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Naming: The LCA was officially named "Tejas," which means "radiance" in Sanskrit, in 2003. 

Variants currently in production or planned: 

• Tejas Mark 1: The original, operational version of the aircraft. 
• Tejas Mark 1A: An upgraded version of the Mark 1 with improved avionics, a new radar, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities. 
• Tejas Mark 2: It is a larger, more advanced medium-weight fighter under development.  

Sources:
The Hindu.
Times Of India
Financial Express