**India and US Fast-Track F404 Engine Deliveries for Tejas Mk1A**
India is currently in negotiations with the United States to expedite the delivery of F404 engines for the Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft. After experiencing a delay of over a year, India has received two engines from General Electric (GE), with a third engine scheduled for delivery this month. GE has committed to supplying one engine per month, increasing to two engines monthly after October.
Despite speculation regarding a potential pause in defense deals with the US, a senior source confirmed to India Today that discussions are ongoing not only to accelerate the procurement process for the initial order of 99 engines but also for a follow-on order of an additional 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters, which have already received approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The deal for the follow-up F404 engines is nearing finalization and is expected to be concluded by the end of August.
In addition to the F404 engines, significant progress is anticipated in the procurement of F414 engines from the US for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Tejas Mk2 fighters, which are to be manufactured in India. Technical negotiations for the F414 engines have already been completed, although finalization may take a few more months.
Earlier, government sources refuted a Reuters report suggesting that India might halt arms and aircraft purchases from the US following a tariff increase to 50% by former President Trump. Officials labeled the report as “false and fabricated,” asserting that no decision has been made to cancel defense deals with Washington, and that the defense procurement process remains unchanged.
A US delegation is expected to visit India next month to continue discussions on defense procurements. The MoD has also confirmed that negotiations for six additional P8I aircraft for the Indian Navy are still active, with no alterations to the procurement process following the tariff hike.
While India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative emphasizes the development of indigenous fighter jets, foreign acquisitions remain a viable option to address capability gaps, particularly as MiG squadrons retire and the overall fighter strength is projected to decline to 29 squadrons. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy currently operate Rafale jets, and the IAF has recommended them for the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. However, the MoD is also considering alternatives, including the Russian Su-35, additional US fighters, and Swedish models, with no current interest in the US F-35.
In light of Operation Sindoor, defense procurements are being pursued with increased urgency.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the status of India’s defense procurement from the US?**
A: India is actively negotiating with the US to expedite the delivery of F404 engines for the Tejas Mk1A and is also pursuing additional defense deals, including the procurement of F414 engines for future aircraft.