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Rakesh wrote: ↑23 Feb 2026 07:54https://x.com/LauKaya/status/2024751453454159874?s=20 ---> The Trump administration has threatened to retaliate against European countries if the EU favors domestic weapons-makers in an expected update of EU defense procurement rules.
https://x.com/saurabhtodi/status/202490 ... 62461?s=20 ---> US to India in not too distant future: be prepared to be denied spares for your jet engines, if you try to develop your indigenous engine or other capabilities.
Rakesh wrote: ↑23 Feb 2026 07:55 https://x.com/saurabhtodi/status/202490 ... 62461?s=20 ---> US to India in not too distant future: be prepared to be denied spares for your jet engines, if you try to develop your indigenous engine or other capabilities.
One of the things with manufacturing high tech critical systems like aircrafts, is to leverage risk. Thinks like JIT (Just in Time), etc., must be lost since we are not dealing with commodity products. Engines are critical and the program manager in charge (i think it is MOD Babu, secretary of defence production) is simply not doing their job. When you have a pipeline of 200 aircrafts, the first thing to secure are all import maal. This should have preceded before production decision for HAL. What are these guys thinking? Poor mgmt and oversight on a crucial program. India is always at the receiving end.
drnayar wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 22:42 better still a "study" to re engine the Tejas with french engines would go a long way to re incentivise the Americans !!
No. All fighter jets are built around the engine. A new engine requires new re-jigging which could take time and money. Getting it right might take even longer and back to testing again.
drnayar wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 22:42 better still a "study" to re engine the Tejas with french engines would go a long way to re incentivise the Americans !!
No. All fighter jets are built around the engine. A new engine requires new re-jigging which could take time and money. Getting it right might take even longer and back to testing again.
Yes of course but no harm in trying .. the idea is a " potential replacement" .. now that the Kaveri with afterburner has enough thrust to power a variant .. and is a straight fit !
Group Captain Ahalawat gives a great interview on samvad. He says the issue with Mk1A was interference between the EW and the radar which curtailed weapons firing. I am sure based on what we have heard recently, this issue has been overcome. Timestamped video linked below.
Is India committing BIG mistake in buying 114 Rafale?
Bharadwaj wrote: ↑25 Feb 2026 15:03
Group Captain Ahalawat gives a great interview on samvad. He says the issue with Mk1A was interference between the EW and the radar which curtailed weapons firing. I am sure based on what we have heard recently, this issue has been overcome. Timestamped video linked below.
Is India committing BIG mistake in buying 114 Rafale?
On the contrary I think this issue has not been fixed. Probably it may take longer to fix.
What we know is IAF is not accepting MK1A even though they are ready because of some software related issues and systems are not performing upto the mark and fine tuning is required in some areas.
From one of the Alpha Defence videos, I saw that there was some compromise reached, IAF is going to accept MK1As with at least one radar mode, firing Aastra, basic EW active and some other minor issues.
These deliveries are going to start from April, HAL is hoping at least one bird can be delivered before the end of this financial year.
However, the handover process is currently paused pending the integration of specific software modifications requested by the Air Force.
Industry insiders clarify that these software adjustments do not point to any structural flaws or major operational defects.
Rather, they are necessary tweaks to harmonise the aircraft's cockpit interfaces, mission control logic, and weapons integration—such as recent complex trials involving the Astra beyond-visual-range missile and Israeli radar systems—with the specific operational requirements of the IAF.
While the IAF has yet to announce a strict timeline for officially accepting the new fighters, HAL maintains that both parties are working closely together to speed up the handover process.
Video in the link https://x.com/Kunal_Biswas707/status/20 ... 3111174551
@Kunal_Biswas707
Indian Air Force Tejas Mk1A conducting buddy tanking with IAF Su-30MKI somewhere between 15,000 and 25,000 feet. This range is often called the "Goldilocks altitude" because air density is high enough for responsive flight controls but low enough to avoid heavy weather.
Aerial refueling, including the buddy buddy refueling from the Su-30 MKI's help it overcome the range issues. So the only limitations that Tejas have at the moment are the inability to carry the payload that the other larger aircraft can carry. With the arrival of MUM-T, that capability will get closed as well. This is going to be the BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK aircraft in the IAF arsenal. Found an old video of Tejas being refueled from a Tanker. The skills of the pilot in the cockpit video is just amazing.
Why India Can't Afford To Let The Tejas Programme Fail
With the possible loss of a third HAL Tejas in Gujarat, the delayed response from authorities, and the controversy that has followed, renewed scrutiny is now on India’s indigenous fighter programme.
Questions are mounting: Has the IAF really lost another Tejas? Why the delay in official communication? And what does this mean for the Mark 1A rollout?
In this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami and national security expert Sandeep Unnithan discuss the controversy, the difference between Mark 1 and Mark 1A and the future of India’s indigenous fighter program.
The two discuss:
Why the IAF hasn’t fully accepted the Mark 1A yet
The GE 404 and 414 engine bottleneck
Indigenous content — how Indian is Tejas really?
The HAL–IAF dynamic and the larger structural silos
Why fighter squadron anxiety is shaping procurement decisions
Sumeet wrote: ↑28 Feb 2026 00:19
Good video by Sandeep and India Today:
Why India Can't Afford To Let The Tejas Programme Fail
With the possible loss of a third HAL Tejas in Gujarat, the delayed response from authorities, and the controversy that has followed, renewed scrutiny is now on India’s indigenous fighter programme.
Questions are mounting: Has the IAF really lost another Tejas? Why the delay in official communication? And what does this mean for the Mark 1A rollout?
In this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami and national security expert Sandeep Unnithan discuss the controversy, the difference between Mark 1 and Mark 1A and the future of India’s indigenous fighter program.
The two discuss:
Why the IAF hasn’t fully accepted the Mark 1A yet
The GE 404 and 414 engine bottleneck
Indigenous content — how Indian is Tejas really?
The HAL–IAF dynamic and the larger structural silos
Why fighter squadron anxiety is shaping procurement decisions
These loses are not aircraft related issue.
First one was a GE F404 Engine related issue.
Second one, unfortunately pilot losing consciousness in high g maneuver during air show.
Third a tire burst while ground run to take off.
Meanwhile in the last 4 days, 3 F-16's have crashed(One being combat lose), you will not hear news about them being grounded but for us, even unrelated things to the aircraft need to be debated and discussed in depth. It's all okay to discuss and debate, but more or less unnecessary as there is nothing much in it which is a threat to the program.
uddu wrote: ↑28 Feb 2026 09:37
These loses are not aircraft related issue.
This concerted effort to blame HAL is getting tiring to say the least. ADA, HAL etc are creating things of value. The sly MOD babus are gloating over this media circus of blaming HAL when they are the ones who require a thorough whacking on their collective heads for poor decision making and no budgets. Don't know how many more of these vacuous discussions Indians will be subjected.
These last minute BBC (best of brochure crap) kills timelines throughout the world. Tis not easy making incremental changes in a complex machine like an aircraft, you touch one thing and there are issues in another. It is easier said than done.
uddu wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 08:54
Aerial refueling, including the buddy buddy refueling from the Su-30 MKI's help it overcome the range issues. So the only limitations that Tejas have at the moment are the inability to carry the payload that the other larger aircraft can carry. With the arrival of MUM-T, that capability will get closed as well. This is going to be the BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK aircraft in the IAF arsenal. Found an old video of Tejas being refueled from a Tanker. The skills of the pilot in the cockpit video is just amazing.
Using fighter aircraft to buddy refuel other fighters should be used only as an exception. Read about the consequences of using super hornets as refuellers after the retirement of the KA-6.
prashantsharma wrote: ↑28 Feb 2026 12:04
Using fighter aircraft to buddy refuel other fighters should be used only as an exception. Read about the consequences of using super hornets as refuellers after the retirement of the KA-6.
After 20 Years, IAF’s Mid-Air Refueller Gap May End With ₹8,000 Crore Israel Deal
For nearly two decades, the Indian Air Force has struggled with a critical capability gap — mid-air refuelling. Now, during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Israel, India is expected to sign a ₹8,000 crore agreement to convert six Boeing 767 aircraft into tanker platforms in partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries and HAL. Why do tankers matter? Because they extend the range, endurance and combat radius of every fighter jet in the fleet. Without tankers, aircraft remain tethered to base. With them, an air force becomes a genuine power-projection force.
IAF Could Pick Israeli Boeing 767 Tankers in 8000 Crore Deal
The Indian Air Force is set to finalize a deal worth approximately 8,000 crore rupees with Israel Aerospace Industries to acquire six mid-air refueling aircraft based on modified Boeing 767 jets. These second-hand commercial airframes will be converted into aerial tankers and are expected to significantly enhance the IAF’s operational reach. The Israeli firm emerged as the sole vendor after other contenders failed to meet requirements, including a 30 percent indigenous content clause under the Make in India initiative. This procurement comes after multiple failed attempts over the past 15 years to expand the IAF’s tanker fleet. Currently, the IAF operates six Russian-origin IL-78 tankers based in Agra, which support a wide range of fighter aircraft including the Su-30MKI and Rafale. However, these platforms have faced persistent maintenance and serviceability issues, prompting the need for more reliable and modern alternatives. The new Boeing 767-based tankers are expected to offer better availability, longer range, and improved compatibility with India’s expanding fleet of multirole fighters. The IAF has also resorted to wet-leasing tanker aircraft in recent years to meet operational demands. The induction of these new tankers will be a critical step in strengthening India’s strategic airlift and deep-strike capabilities across extended theaters.
Starting from the 2027–28 financial year (FY), the American aerospace giant will supply 30 F404-IN20 turbofan engines annually to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
ritesh wrote: ↑06 Mar 2026 08:26
Problem is not US or GE, it is us who still refuse to re engine it with another suitable jet engines.
Instead of making excuses, need to work towards issue redressal. And please if it takes to completely redesign it, then do so immediately.
Last month, HAL chairman was proudly claiming that there is not even a remotest of thought of thinking about another engine for Tejas, forget about work on one, even for export options to foreign countries. We have about 4 years in between before Kaveri will be available. In these 4 years either fly with stock with the IAF+import some used engines etc rather than sit and do nothing. Even take out the engines of the MK1 and start flying the MK1A variant for the time being. Tejas MK2 should be moved away from the GE engine and talks should be opened up with other engine manufactures without delay.
Is it possible to start manufacturing Kaveri current variant in hand for the initial lot of 97 jets need to be looked into before the proper version of Kaveri arrives by 2030. The day Tejas flies with Kaveri, even if it is today, GE will showcase lineup of 1,000 engines ready for Tejas.
I would also urge those who were badmouthing HAL for not delivering included the retired Gentleman come forward and do the same with GE asking them to shut shop and go F themselves. The story is not different with Honeywell. Since there is no need for updates done on HTT-40 complete silence about the delay due to Honeywell engine delivery delay.
uddu wrote: ↑06 Mar 2026 08:34
So supplies pushed to 2027?
Not surprising. Let us hope we get at least drip feed delivery in 2026-27.
uddu wrote: ↑06 Mar 2026 08:37
Is it possible to start manufacturing Kaveri current variant in hand for the initial lot of 97 jets need to be looked into before the proper version of Kaveri arrives by 2030. The day Tejas flies with Kaveri, even if it is today, GE will showcase lineup of 1,000 engines ready for Tejas.
Flying Test Bed? High Altitude Test Facility? No money Saar. Then how Kaveri will get certified?
The question needs to be raised in Parliament ---> Spending US $35 billion (minimum) on 114 Rafales...but why is Kaveri not being developed? But the opposition is too busy playing politics on useless issues.
And if & when the contract for 114 Rafales are signed, blame Air HQ for being import pasand and not supporting Atmanirbharata. IAF only wants to import fighters. Shame on IAF. But why is the Govt not providing the funds for certifying the Kaveri? The silence is deafening.
Atmanirbharata is only meant for public speeches by the GOI. Making fools of the citizenry.
This is the Amreeka that we are relying on for Indian air power via Tejas.
Click on the link below to actually hear him say the words below
VIDEO:https://x.com/ANI/status/2029708818217918850?s=20 ---> Addressing the Raisina Dialogue 2026, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau says, "India should understand that we are not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago. Then the next thing we know, you are beating us in many commercial things..."
Its water under the bridge but it would be instructive to go back and examine why the F404 engine was chosen over the EJ200. AI doesnt have much concrete to say on this topic and I suspect it went down to costs.
Interesting that IAF allowed it if they were so sceptical of American hardware. It must have been a combination of IAF apathy and not believing the aircraft would actually fly and babooze doing their usual things
IIRC - there was something about some kind of tooling being included in the bid that tilted it to GE404 instead of EJ200 and Europeans were bitter about it - but I am not able to find those articles now!
from Gemini - GE's bid included crucial technology transfer elements such as jigs, assemblies, and specialized tooling required for domestic maintenance.
