India is currently in negotiations with the United States to expedite the delivery of F404 engines, which are crucial for its indigenous Tejas Mk1A fighter jet programme. This comes after a significant delay in the initial deliveries, with India having so far received only two engines from General Electric (GE) more than a year behind schedule.
A third engine is expected to be delivered this month, with GE reportedly committing to a new schedule of one engine per month, increasing to two per month after October. Amid recent speculation that India may be pausing defence deals with the US, a top source informed news agencies that these claims are unfounded.
The source clarified that in addition to fast-tracking the initial order for 99 F404 engines for the Tejas Mk1A, discussions are underway for a follow-on order for the additional 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters, which have already received approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The deal for these follow-up F404 engines is reportedly close to finalisation and is expected to be concluded by the end of August.
Furthermore, a significant breakthrough is also being sought for the procurement of F414 engines from the US. These engines are intended for India's more advanced fighter jet programmes, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Tejas Mk2. The technical negotiations for the F414 engines have been completed, but a final agreement may still take several months to finalise.
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Government sources have since labelled that report as 'false and fabricated', stating that no decision has been made to cancel any defence deals with the US and that the status quo on defence procurement has been maintained.
To further these negotiations, a US team is scheduled to visit India next month. The MoD sources, in their denial of the speculative reports, confirmed that discussions are still active for the procurement of six additional P8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft for the Indian Navy.
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India's defence procurement procedure has not changed as a result of the US's recent tariff increase. In addition to the Tejas programmes engine procurement, negotiations are underway for the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) procurement, with an announcement anticipated shortly.
Foreign acquisitions are still regarded as a necessary option to fill capability gaps, even though India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative prioritises the development of domestic fighter jets. This is especially critical as older MiG squadrons are being retired, and the overall fighter strength of the Indian Air Force is projected to drop to 29 squadrons.
All potential options for the MRFA programme will be evaluated based on multiple parameters. According to sources, the IAF has suggested the Rafale for the MRFA programme, and the Indian Air Force and Navy currently fly Rafale aircraft. But the MoD might also take into account other options, such as Swedish models, more US fighters, and the Russian Su-35. The US F-35 has shown no signs of interest. The pursuit of all these defence procurements is accelerating, especially in the aftermath of the military operation known as "Operation Sindoor".
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