【By Observer Net, Chen Sijia】India is developing the indigenous "Tejas" Mk-2 fighter jet, attempting to expand the scale of fighter jet production. According to a report by Bloomberg in the United States on September 24, the "Tejas" Mk-2 fighter jet was previously confirmed to be equipped with US-made engines. However, due to slow progress in negotiations with the United States on joint production of fighter jet engines, India is now considering switching to French-made engines.

To promote diversification of India's defense relations and reduce reliance on Russia, the "Tejas" Mk-2 fighter jet was initially planned to be equipped with General Electric F-414 engines from the United States. The report stated that during the tenure of former US President Biden, the US and India agreed to jointly produce these engines, but negotiations between the two countries have slowed down now.

Indian senior officials said that the Indian government has started contacting Safran Group from France for discussions on fighter jet engines. They did not specify whether India would directly purchase French-produced engines or seek joint production. These officials added that although the negotiations between India and the United States have slowed, both sides are still discussing the issue of joint production of F-414 engines.

Bloomberg reported that the Indian Ministry of Defense has not responded to this news yet, and Safran Group refused to comment.

General Electric F-414 Engine General Electric Aerospace Company Website

According to the British "Jane's Defence Weekly", the "Tejas" Mk-2 fighter jet is designed as an improved version of the "Tejas" Mk-1 model, aiming to provide the Indian Air Force with a fourth-and-a-half-generation medium fighter jet.

Informed sources said that India plans to manufacture 200 "Tejas" Mk-2 jets to replace the British-built "Jaguar" and the French-built "Mirage 2000" fighter jets. These two types of fighter jets are still in service in India but may soon be retired. After the recent India-Pakistan conflict, India is urgently seeking to enhance its defense capabilities.

The "India Times" reported on August 23 that the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) also plans to cooperate with Safran Group from France to develop a new engine for future fighter jets. It is expected that this project will adopt a 100% technology transfer model, completing design, development, testing, certification, and production work in India, with the goal of developing an engine with a thrust of 120 kilonewtons.

Bloomberg said that due to former US President Trump's 50% tariff on Indian goods exported to the US, the relationship between India and the US is facing the most difficult period in decades. However, both sides are still trying to maintain stable defense cooperation. A team from the US Department of Defense and Boeing recently visited India to negotiate a $400 million reconnaissance aircraft contract.

India is currently facing a shortage of fighter jets and is seeking to expand production. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows that India is the second-largest arms importer in the world, but Prime Minister Modi hopes to promote the manufacturing of military hardware within India. Earlier this year, India allowed domestic private companies to design and develop advanced fighter jets for the first time to replace the aging fleet.

"India Today" reported that the Indian Ministry of Defence signed a contract on the 25th to procure 97 "Tejas" Mk-1A fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, valued at over 623.7 billion rupees, which is the largest domestic fighter jet transaction in India. The contract includes 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seat trainer jets, expected to begin delivery in 2027-28 and be completed within six years.

The last two MiG-21 squadrons of the Indian Air Force are scheduled to retire on September 26. With the gradual retirement of old aircraft, this procurement aims to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force. "India Today" also cited sources saying that India has reached an agreement with General Electric of the United States for 113 F-404 engines used in the "Tejas" Mk-1A fighter jets, and the agreement is expected to be officially announced shortly.

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