Opinion: India’s Military Aviation Set For Boost As Advanced US Engine Finally Arrives

The trajectory of Indian military aviation is increasingly reliant on US-made aero-engines. The initial version of LCA Mk1 is set to utilise GE's F404, while LCA Mk2 is slated to be powered by F414.

The selection of the F404-IN20 engine for the single-engine Tejas in 2004 marked a pivotal advancement for both India and GE Aerospace.

Source : PTI

The commencement of deliveries for the GE F404 engine has been met with considerable relief by the defence establishment in New Delhi. The nearly two-year delay had caused significant concern within the Indian Air Force (IAF) headquarters, as the force has been grappling with a diminishing fighter fleet that has dwindled to just 30 squadrons, far below the target of 42. The rollout of India’s first indigenous fourth-generation fighter, the Tejas LCA (light combat aircraft), was contingent