Tejas fighter jet developed by Hindustan Aeronautics LimitedImage Credit source: PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently went on a ‘state visit’ at the invitation of US President Joe Biden. During his visit many economic, global and political issues were discussed, a ‘state dinner’ was also held in honor of PM Modi. But with this a big event happened – America agreed to share 100 percent technology of jet engine with India. This is the technology which after getting India, 5 countries of the world will have it. After all, why is this technology so important for India and how can it fulfill PM Modi’s dream of ‘self-reliant India’? Let’s understand…
Looking at the scenario around India, the problem of Pakistan on one side and China on the other side has been standing for many years. In such a situation, to stay one step ahead of both the countries, it is necessary for India to have a strong air force. India is still dependent on other countries for fighter jets, combat helicopters etc. to strengthen the Air Force. This includes America, Russia and France. In such a situation, the technology of jet engine coming to him will help him to make his fighter jet.
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Ability to make fighter aircraft in India
India can manufacture fighter jets, it has demonstrated this capability. India has indigenously built the Tejas MK1 light combat aircraft. But the real problem is its engine, which India does not make itself, rather it has to be imported.
During PM Modi’s US visit, GE Aerospace has now entered into an agreement with the government company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. According to the agreement, both the companies will jointly manufacture the jet engine in India. This jet engine will be GE414. The bigger thing about this agreement is that in this America will give the technology of jet engine to India, which even China could not get after many attempts.
GE Aerospace is part of GE Electric Company, a major jet engine company in the US. GE Electric already has a presence in India. For this jet engine deal, GE Aerospace will now just have to get some regulatory approvals, which the US Parliament is almost certain to get for Indo-US defense cooperation.
Why is the GE414 jet engine important?
In the year 1986, General Electric (GE) started working with Aeronautical Development Agency and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas) and the F404 engine were developed in this partnership. With this, GE’s F404 and F414 engines became part of the LCA Mk1 and LCA Mk2. Now 75 F404 engines have been delivered, while 99 have been ordered for the LCA Mk1A. At the same time, 8 F414 engines have been delivered, which are currently required for the development of LCA Mk2, an upgrade version of Tejas.
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In such a situation, if India gets the technology of jet engines, then the production of these engines can be increased. At the same time, their cost will also come down due to being made at the domestic level. Not only this, due to the low cost of making engines in India as compared to America, it will also be easy to export it, whereas due to the technology being acquired, India will be able to export directly by taking orders as well.
