Latest news with #TejasMk-1A
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Pending defence sales figure in India-US talks
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth expressed the hope that Washington would clear several pending defence sales to India in the near future, during a meeting with external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday. US defence secretary Pete Hegseth.(Getty Images via AFP) 'The United States is very pleased with the successful integration of many US defence items into India's inventory. And building on this progress, we hope we can complete several major pending US defence sales to India, expand our shared defence industrial cooperation and co-production efforts, strengthen interoperability ... between our forces, and then formally sign a new 10-year framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership ... which we hope to do very soon,' Hegseth was quoted as saying by the Department of Defence. At present, India is looking for the execution of two key defence projects with America. The first is the quick delivery of GE F404 fighter jet engines for India's Tejas MK1A Light Combat Aircraft. In 2021, India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited ordered 99 F404 engines from General Electric. So far, GE Aerospace has delivered only the first of 99 F404 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Mk-1A fighters and is now ramping up production to fulfill the Indian order. These engines are designated for the 83 Mk-1A aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force for ₹ 48,000 crore in February 2021. The Indian Air Force is also planning to place an additional order for 97 Mk-1A jets, estimated at around ₹ 67,000 crore. The second key project India hopes to push with America is the speedy execution of a deal between HAL and GE Aerospace for the joint production of GE F414 engines, which are expected to power India's more advanced Tejas LCA Mk-2 fighter jet programme. The deal will involve 80% transfer of technology (ToT) and is estimated to be worth around $1 billion. Hegseth's meeting with Jaishankar followed a telephonic call with defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday. Hegseth and Singh agreed to meet in-person after the former invited the defence minister to visit the United States. The focus of India-US defence cooperation will be on increased defence industrial cooperation, including the co-production of Javelin missiles and Stryker armoured combat vehicles. Greater defence interoperability and increased joint military exercises will also be a key focus, according to India's Ministry of Defence. During his meeting with Hegseth, S Jaishankar pointed to progress in the bilateral defence relationship through the recent signing of the Security of Supply Agreement, cooperation in underwater domain awareness and the new INDUS-X defence industrial initiative. 'The world is a complicated place and perhaps growing in its complexity. And certainly our partnership and the contribution that we can make together, I think, would be of immense importance, not just for us, I think, but for the larger region and I would even argue for the world,' Jaishankar told Hegseth.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India to get Tejas Mk1A this fiscal: Here is how it compares with China's JF 17, Rafale, F-16
HAL CMD D K Sunil has stated that the Indian Air Force will receive at least six Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets by March 2026. The Tejas Mk-1A, India's indigenously developed single-engine multirole fighter aircraft, is designed to operate in high-threat air environments and carry out air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions. 'The Tejas Mk-1A is a world-class aircraft comprising a high-quality radar, electronic warfare suites and an array of missiles,' Sunil said. 'It has got a full complement of avionics and weapons which make the aircraft a very potent platform. It will be very good for our Air Force,' he added. In February 2021, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹48,000 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets. The ministry is now processing an additional deal to acquire 97 more aircraft at a cost of around ₹67,000 crore. According to Sunil, the Mk-1A will replace the Indian Air Force's ageing MiG-21 fighters and is a key component of India's effort to achieve greater self-reliance in defence production. Specification Tejas Mk1A Dassault Rafale F‑16 Block 70 JF‑17 Block III FA‑50 Golden Eagle Country India France USA Pakistan / China South Korea Manufacturer HAL / ADA Dassault Aviation Lockheed Martin PAC / Chengdu KAI / Lockheed Martin Number Built 51 ~240 ~3,100 177 ~220 Orders 180 (83 + 97 cleared) 234 (including India) 112 50–60 export orders 48 (Poland), 18 (Malaysia) Length 43.3 ft 50.2 ft 49.3 ft 47.0 ft 43.0 ft Wingspan 26.9 ft 35.8 ft 31.0 ft 31.0 ft 31.0 ft Height 14.4 ft 17.5 ft 16.7 ft 15.0 ft 16.2 ft Empty Weight 6,560 kg 10,300 kg 9,207 kg 7,965 kg 7,200 kg Max Payload 5,300 kg 9,500 kg ~7,700 kg 3,700 kg ~4,300 kg MTOW ~13,500 kg 24,500 kg 21,772 kg 13,500 kg 12,300 kg Engine 1 × GE F404-IN20 2 × Snecma M88-2 1 × GE F110-GE-129 1 × Klimov RD-93MA 1 × GE F404 or EJ200 Max Thrust 84 kN 150 kN (combined) 129 kN 84.4 kN ~98 kN Fuel Capacity – 4,700 L internal 7,000 L ~3,000 L 2,990 L Ferry Range ~3,000 km 3,700 km 4,220 km 3,482 km ~1,852 km Max Speed 2,200 km/h (Mach 1.8) 1,912 km/h (Mach 1.8) 2,414 km/h (Mach 2.0+) 1,975–2,200 km/h (Mach 1.6–1.8) 1,837 km/h (Mach 1.5) Service Ceiling ~15,000 m 15,240 m 18,300 m ~16,700 m 14,630 m Unit Cost US $39–42 M US $90–100 M (estimated) US $50–60 M ~US $25 M US $30 M by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Belly Fat Removal Without Surgery in Philippines: The Price Might Surprise You Belly Fat Removal | Search Ads Get Info Undo Dassault Rafale The Dassault Rafale, produced by France's Dassault Aviation, is a twin-engine 4.5-generation fighter known for its versatility, nuclear capability, and use by several NATO and allied air forces. The Indian Airforce operates 36 of these jets and the Indian navy has also ordered 26 of its maritime variant. Live Events F-16 The F-16 Block 70 is the latest and most advanced variant of the widely exported American single-engine fighter, offering improved radar, avionics, and combat range. JF-17 The JF-17 Block III, a product of collaboration between Pakistan and China, is a cost-effective, single-engine multirole fighter aimed at meeting the operational needs of developing air forces. FA-50 The FA-50 Golden Eagle, jointly developed by South Korea's KAI and Lockheed Martin, is a lightweight supersonic fighter and trainer aircraft tailored for air policing, light attack, and lead-in fighter training missions. HAL Tejas vs Pak F-16 One of the key comparisons being drawn around the Tejas Mk-1A is with the US-made F-16, which continues to form the backbone of Pakistan's fighter fleet. While the F-16 remains a capable platform, many of the aircraft in Pakistan's inventory date back to the 1980s. In contrast, the Tejas Mk-1A features modern avionics, advanced electronic warfare systems, and an indigenously developed AESA radar, which enhances its tracking and targeting performance. IAF squadrons numbers IAF is looking at inducting different types of fighter jets as the number of its fighter squadrons has gone down to 31 from officially sanctioned strength of 42. The government recently gave the clearance to HAL to start work on India's fifth generation aircraft called Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The air force is expected to by 120 AMCA aircrafts and 324 Tejas aircrafts over the coming years. GE F404 engine delay HAL CMD D K Sunil attributed the delay in Tejas Mk-1A production to the inability of GE Aerospace to supply F404 jet engines on schedule. 'The engine deliveries have not happened from GE Aerospace. They were to deliver the engines in 2023. Till date, we have got only one engine,' he said. Sunil explained that the delay was initially caused by production setbacks during the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by the departure of several senior engineers from GE, which led to cascading supply chain disruptions. However, he confirmed that the technical and logistical issues have now been resolved, and HAL expects to receive 12 engines by March 2026.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
HAL shares in focus as delay-hit Tejas jets to reach IAF by March
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd ( HAL ) shares will be in focus on Wednesday after CMD D.K. Sunil confirmed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive at least six Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) by March 2026. The assurance comes amid concerns raised by the IAF over delays in the delivery schedule. Sunil attributed the delay to U.S.-based GE Aerospace, which missed deadlines for supplying the F404 engines that power the LCA Mk-1A variant. 'The aircraft are ready. As of today, we have six aircraft lined up, but the engine deliveries from GE Aerospace have not happened. They were supposed to deliver the engines in 2023, and so far, we've received only one,' Sunil said in an interview with PTI. He added that the delays were initially due to COVID-related disruptions and the exit of senior engineers, which caused supply chain bottlenecks. However, with technical issues now resolved, HAL expects to receive 12 engines during the current fiscal year, enabling deliveries to the IAF. 'Every company faces criticism. In our case, we're prepared — the jets are ready, and we'll deliver them by the end of this fiscal,' Sunil said. Live Events The IAF had earlier raised concerns about the delay in the induction of the LCA Mk-1A, with Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh highlighting the issue publicly. HAL now plans to produce 16 Tejas jets next year, provided the engine supply remains steady. Also Read: M&M, Coforge among 10 high-conviction stock ideas post Q4FY25 results that can rally up to 52% In February 2021, the Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 48,000 crore contract with HAL to procure 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets. An additional order for 97 more jets, worth Rs 67,000 crore, is currently in the pipeline. The single-engine Tejas Mk-1A is designed to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet and bolster the IAF's squadron strength, which has declined to 31 from the sanctioned 42. The Tejas is a multi-role fighter equipped with advanced radar systems, electronic warfare suites, and a wide range of missiles. 'It's a potent platform with a full complement of avionics and weapons. It will serve the Air Force well,' Sunil said. Also Read: 11 Nifty mid & smallcap stocks that can rally 40-90% over the next 12 months Sunil also said HAL is in talks with several countries that have expressed interest in the Tejas aircraft. 'We hope to have a breakthrough soon,' he said, without naming the potential buyers. Additionally, HAL recently secured a major contract to supply 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand to the Indian military. The Rs 62,700 crore deal was finalised in March, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028. The Prachand is India's first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter, capable of operating at altitudes above 4,500 metres. ( Disclaimer : Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
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Business Standard
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
HAL to deliver six Tejas jets to IAF by March amid engine supply delays
The Indian Air Force will get at least half-a-dozen Tejas Light Combat Aircraft by March 2026, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd CMD D K Sunil has said, weeks after the IAF chief flagged serious concerns over delays in the delivery of the jets. Sunil, chairperson and managing director of the aviation behemoth, attributed the delivery delays to US defence major GE Aerospace missing the deadline for supply of its engines to power the fighter jets. The slippage in the delivery schedule for the LCA Mk-1A variant of the jet had become a major issue with Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh raising the matter publicly. Sunil said the delay was caused only due to the US firm's inability to supply the F404 engines on time. In an exclusive interview with PTI Videos, the HAL chief said GE Aerospace is expected to supply 12 engines in the current fiscal. This will facilitate delivery of the jets to the IAF. "Every company goes through its fair share of criticisms. It does happen. Unfortunately, in the case of LCA Mark 1A, we have built the aircraft. As of today, we have six aircraft lined up," he said. "But the engine deliveries have not happened from GE Aerospace. They were to deliver the engines in 2023. Till date, we have got only one engine," he added. The delay from GE side was initially due to production timelines falling behind during the Covid pandemic, and the subsequent departure of many senior engineers from the company, causing cascading supply chain bottlenecks. According to Sunil, the technical issues with GE Aerospace have been sorted out and HAL is set to receive 12 jet engines by March 2026. "I can assure you that as of today, six aircraft are ready. There is no let up from our side. We are building those aircraft and getting them ready and we will be in a position to deliver (by this fiscal)," he said. HAL plans to produce 16 jets in the coming year provided there is steady flow of engine supplies by GE Aerospace. In February 2021, the defence ministry sealed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with HAL for the procurement of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF. The ministry is also in the process of procuring 97 more LCA Mk-1As at a cost around Rs 67,000 crore. The single-engine Mk-1A will be a replacement for the IAF's MiG-21 fighters. The IAF is looking at inducting the warplanes as the number of its fighter squadrons has gone down to 31 from officially sanctioned strength of 42. Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments. It has been designed to undertake air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles. Sunil said the Tejas Mk-1A is a world class aircraft comprising a high-quality radar, electronic warfare suites and an array of missiles. "It has got a full complement of avionics and weapons which make the aircraft a very potent platform. It will be very good for our Air Force," he said. Sunil said a number of countries have evinced interest in the Tejas jet and the HAL is holding talks with some of them. "We are talking to many countries on Tejas. I hope we will have a breakthrough soon," he said, declining to elaborate further. He also talked about HAL winning a mega contract to supply Prachand helicopters to the Indian military. In March, the defence ministry firmed up the procurement of 156 light combat helicopter Prachand from the HAL at a cost of Rs 62,700 crore to bolster the combat capability of the military. The HAL top executive said the delivery of Prachand will begin in 2028. Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand is India's first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter having capability of operating at an altitude of over 4500 metres.
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Indian Air Force to get at least 6 Tejas jets by March: HAL chief Sunil
The Indian Air Force will get at least half-a-dozen Tejas Light Combat Aircraft by March 2026, the chief of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., which is manufacturing the cutting-edge fighter jets, has disclosed. He attributes the delivery delays to GE Aerospace missing deadline for supply of its engines. The slippage in the delivery schedule for the LCA Mk-1A variant of the jet had become a major issue with Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh raising the matter publicly. HAL Chairman and Managing Director D.K. Sunil said the delay was caused only due to the U.S. firm's inability to supply the F404 engines on time. In an exclusive interview with PTI Videos, the HAL chief said GE Aerospace is expected to supply 12 engines in the current fiscal. This will facilitate delivery of the jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF). 'Every company goes through its fair share of criticisms. It does happen. Unfortunately, in the case of LCA Mark 1A, we have built the aircraft. As of today, we have six aircraft lined up,' he said. 'But the engine deliveries have not happened from GE Aerospace. They were to deliver the engines in 2023. Till date, we have got only one engine,' he added. The delay from GE side was initially due to production timelines falling behind during the Covid pandemic, and the subsequent departure of many senior engineers from the company, causing cascading supply chain bottlenecks. According to Mr. Sunil, the technical issues with GE Aerospace have been sorted out and HAL is set to receive 12 jet engines by March 2026. 'I can assure you that as of today, six aircraft are ready. There is no let up from our side. We are building those aircraft and getting them ready and we will be in a position to deliver [by this fiscal],' he said. HAL plans to produce 16 jets in the coming year provided there is steady flow of engine supplies by GE Aerospace. In February 2021, the Defence Ministry sealed a ₹48,000 crore deal with HAL for the procurement of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF. The Ministry is also in the process of procuring 97 more LCA Mk-1As at a cost around ₹67,000 crore. The single-engine Mk-1A will be a replacement for the IAF's MiG-21 fighters. The IAF is looking at inducting the warplanes as the number of its fighter squadrons has gone down to 31 from officially sanctioned strength of 42. Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments. It has been designed to undertake air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles. Mr. Sunil said the Tejas Mk-1A is a world class aircraft comprising a high-quality radar, electronic warfare suites and an array of missiles. 'It has got a full complement of avionics and weapons which make the aircraft a very potent platform. It will be very good for our Air Force,' he said. Mr. Sunil said a number of countries have evinced interest in the Tejas jet and the HAL is holding talks with some of them. 'We are talking to many countries on Tejas. I hope we will have a breakthrough soon,' he said, declining to elaborate further.
