Air Force Tejas Mk1A: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

[V_Raman]

If IAF/IN is serious about more Mk1A - then this is the time to talk to GE about more engines so they can place orders in their supply chain.

[Vayutuvan]

I wish LCA Tejas was built around a Russian or French engine, but I guess planners got obsessed with tech specs of engines (in which GE engines are the best) and did not consider strategic aspects. That was poor decision making.

Are Russians reliable going forward? They seem to be in a bind in that they have to choose between Sona Bandar or Eleven Jin Pegs. If they make up with Orange-u-tang, their southeastern border with Sugarland might become warm. China might start salami slicing just like they were trying to do in Ladakh.

Chinese need Russian oil. That may prevent China for a few years before they turn on Russia.

That leaves only France. And ofc our own defence labs/private industry.

[Rakesh]

If IAF/IN is serious about more Mk1A - then this is the time to talk to GE about more engines so they can place orders in their supply chain.

Interest in the Tejas (from the services) is equivalent to what is doled out in their "Atmanirbhar Bharat" speeches that they give.

* The follow-on 97 Mk1A order should have been sanctioned a lot earlier
* There is zero movement on talking to GE about a second contract for GE F404 turbofans, for the 97 order.
* Discussions on the GE F414 turbofan is stuck at 99 turbofans and that will translate to only around 5 squadrons (~20 aircraft each)

There is no seriousness whatsoever. The services' track record is this;

1) Let the Su-30MKI fleet languish for upgrades, because their precious CAPEX had to be set aside for the MRFA boondoggle.

2) When the Super Sukhoi upgrade was finally sanctioned, it was for a mere 84 airframes (against 260+ in service) and over a 7 year period.

3) Starved the TEDBF program of funding, because Rafale M had to be inducted at all costs. If not 54 aircraft in one go (the original MRCBF requirement), then do 26 as a first tranche and order the rest later.

But will give gyan on Atmanirbhar Bharat at every Navy Day, Air Force Day, Independence Day, Republic Day, etc.

[Bharadwaj]

Given the present situation, it would make sense for DRDO to at least have a small team looking at the possibility of integrating the m88. I am quite sure if this scenario heads into secondary sanctions we will lose the f404/414 supply. The state department specifically spoke of secondary sanctions(not tariffs) today. The rd93 infused with the same technologies as the 177s can also be a possibility. The Russians are promising 6000hr life for the 177s. Even 4000 hrs would be acceptable rather than letting the Tejas program die. I am not panicking or exaggerating- the situation is heading beyond what any of us foresaw.

[Manish_P]

^^ depressing reading, Admiral sir.

Well GoI can divert all the funds to Missiles. Who needs aircraft when you have missiles hain...