India on Friday signed a major deal with General Electric (GE) to purchase 113 engines for an advanced variant of its home-produced Tejas fighter jets, signaling improved ties with the United States following months of tariff-related tensions.
The Tejas Mk-1A aircraft are critical to India’s efforts to modernize its air force, replace ageing jets, and maintain readiness amid China’s growing military strength and support for Pakistan. The deal comes as a follow-on order to an earlier 2021 contract for 99 engines, of which only four have been delivered so far due to supply chain delays stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), India’s state-owned warplane manufacturer, the newly ordered engines are expected to be delivered over a five-year period starting in 2027. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The agreement reflects a thaw in India-U.S. relations after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% in August, targeting New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil. Following recent reductions in Russian oil imports by Indian refiners, trade negotiations between the two nations have reportedly progressed, with Trump hinting at a potential visit to India next year.
The Tejas Mk-1A program has faced criticism for delays, but with this new engine supply, India aims to strengthen its air force’s capabilities and reinforce its domestic defense manufacturing sector.
Looking Ahead: The delivery of these engines over the next five years will allow India to gradually expand its Tejas fleet, bolstering air defense readiness and signaling closer strategic cooperation with the U.S. in defense technology.
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