Relevance: GS Paper III – Defence Technology and Indigenisation
Source: The Hindu, Press Trust of India
What’s the News?
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a $1-billion agreement with GE Aerospace (USA) to procure 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines for India’s indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A programme. The deliveries will begin in 2027 and continue till 2032, supporting India’s defence indigenisation goals.
About Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
Feature | Details |
| Developer | Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) & Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
| Type | Single-engine, multi-role, supersonic light combat aircraft |
| Variants | Tejas Mk-1, Mk-1A, and upcoming Mk-2 |
| Induction | Entered service with Indian Air Force in 2016 |
| Features | Composite airframe, digital fly-by-wire control, advanced avionics, and precision weapon capability |
| Objective | Replace ageing MiG-series fighters and promote self-reliance in combat aviation |
Concept: What are Jet Engines?
Type | Explanation |
| Jet Engine | A propulsion system that expels high-speed jets of air or gas to generate thrust (Newton’s Third Law). |
| Working Principle | Air is compressed → mixed with fuel → ignited → produces exhaust gases for forward thrust. |
| Types in Defence | Turbojet, Turbofan (used in Tejas), Turboprop, and Ramjet engines. |
India’s Dependence and Indigenisation Drive
Aspect | Current Status / Development |
| Foreign Dependence | India currently imports most fighter engines from GE (USA), Rolls Royce (UK), and Safran (France). |
| Indigenous Efforts | GTRE’s Kaveri Engine Project aims to develop a homegrown jet engine but is yet to achieve full operational status. |
| Indigenisation Goal | Under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and Make in India frameworks, India aims to locally manufacture and co-develop engines with global partners. |
Significance of the Tejas Programme
- Strengthens India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
- Enhances aerospace R&D capabilities and employment generation.
- Boosts export potential of Indian defence technology.
- Supports India’s strategic autonomy and reduces reliance on foreign suppliers.
UPSC Prelims Practice Question
With reference to India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), consider the following statements:
- It is powered by the F404-GE-IN20 turbofan engine supplied by GE Aerospace.
- The aircraft was developed jointly by HAL and ISRO.
- The Tejas Mk-1A variant features advanced avionics and electronic warfare systems.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
One-line Wrap:
The Tejas–GE deal marks a key milestone in India’s defence self-reliance journey — strengthening indigenous aircraft production while deepening Indo–US defence collaboration.
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