CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
India has received the second GE-F404 engine from the United States for its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A project, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) indigenous capabilities. The deliveries, previously delayed due to global supply chain disruptions, have now resumed. The state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is tasked with integrating these engines into the Tejas Mk-1A fleet.
Engine Delivery And Procurement Update
The second engine arrived in July 2025, with 12 more expected by the end of the current financial year. HAL had signed a Rupees 5,375 crore deal with GE Aerospace in August 2021 to procure 99 GE-F404 engines. So far, the IAF has placed an order for 83 LCA Mk-1A aircraft, and plans are underway to acquire an additional 97 jets. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the expanded procurement, estimated to cost around Rupees 67,000 crore.
Integration And Aircraft Production Timeline
Integrating the GE-F404 engine into the LCA Mk-1A involves a multi-step process. The sequence begins with fuselage assembly, followed by tasks such as piping, lobing, and landing gear installation. Once the engine is fitted, ground tests, including high-speed taxi trials, are conducted to ensure performance and safety. HAL aims to roll out 16 aircraft annually, depending on the regular supply of engines. The complete delivery of the 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets is targeted for completion by 2030.
Key Technological Enhancements In Mk-1A Variant
The Tejas Mk-1A introduces several technological improvements over its predecessor, the Mk-1 variant. These include:
An Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar
A modern electronic warfare suite with an integrated jammer
Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile capability, featuring both Derby and India’s homegrown ASTRA missile systems
ASTRA missile integration is in progress, with firing trials currently being conducted from the Tejas Mk-1A platform.
Strategic Relevance And Ongoing Challenges
The induction of Tejas Mk-1A jets is crucial for maintaining the operational strength of the IAF, especially as ageing MiG-21 squadrons have already been phased out, and other legacy aircraft are due for retirement in the coming decade. Delays in engine supplies have previously caused setbacks in aircraft delivery timelines. To address this, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has engaged in discussions with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to accelerate engine deliveries and deepen bilateral defence cooperation.
Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.
For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board
For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section
For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section
For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section
For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section
