US Arm-Twisting India Over Tejas Engines? Time For New Delhi To Look Towards France, Russia?
Tejas Delivery Crippled: The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A program, a cornerstone of India’s push for indigenous defense capability, is struggling to maintain production schedules. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has rolled out 10 aircraft so far, but the supply of GE’s F-404 engines has not kept pace.
Sep 30, 2025, 17:09 PM IST
Russia’s Su-57 Or France’s Rafale F4 + Safran Engine: Which Jet Package Fits India’s Sky War?
Russia tempts India with a cheap stealth Su-57E package: 126 jets at Rs 670 crore each, full tech transfer, local production and export rights. France counters with Rafale F4 at Rs 1,000 crore per aircraft and the Safran M88-4 engine for Tejas Mk-2. The Russian deal looks bold but risky. The French basket offers proven reliability and long-term leverage.
Sep 22, 2025, 08:55 AM IST