Defense & Military
India Signs Deal for 113 US Engines to Boost Tejas Fighter Fleet
India secures 113 GE engines for Tejas Mk1A fighters, enhancing IAF’s capabilities and Indo-US defense cooperation with deliveries from 2027 to 2032.
India Secures US Engines for Tejas Mk1A Fighter Fleet
In a significant move to bolster its aerial combat capabilities, India has finalized a major agreement with the United States for the procurement of engines to power its indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The deal, signed between India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and American conglomerate General Electric (GE) Aerospace, underscores a critical step in the modernization of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This procurement is not just about hardware; it represents a crucial component of India’s broader strategy to enhance its self-reliance in defense manufacturing while replacing an aging fleet of Soviet-era aircraft.
The Tejas program has long been the centerpiece of India’s ambition to develop a homegrown fighter jet capable of operating in complex, high-threat environments. The Military-Aircraft is designed for a multitude of roles, including air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and ground attack missions. While the airframe and many of its critical systems are developed domestically, the engine remains a key piece of imported technology. This latest agreement with GE ensures a steady supply of power plants for the next wave of Tejas fighters, specifically the advanced Mk1A variant, which is slated to become a workhorse for the IAF in the coming years.
The Nuts and Bolts of the Agreement
The Contracts formalizes the acquisition of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines, along with a comprehensive support package. These power plants are specifically designated for the Tejas LCA Mk1A fighters, an upgraded version of the aircraft featuring enhanced Avionics and weapon systems. This engine deal is an integral part of a much larger initiative by the Indian government to expand its Tejas fleet. In September 2025, the Defence Ministry greenlit the purchase of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets from HAL, a program valued at Rs 62,370 crore.
While the precise financial details of the engine contract itself have been described as a “billion-dollar deal,” it is a follow-on to a previous order. In August 2021, HAL had already signed a $716 million deal with GE for 99 F404 engines to equip the initial batch of 83 Mk1A jets. The new agreement for 113 engines will cover the subsequent batch of 97 aircraft, bringing the total number of Mk1A fighters on order to 180. This sustained procurement highlights the IAF’s growing confidence in the Tejas platform as it moves to build up its squadron strength.
The delivery schedule for the newly ordered engines is set to begin in 2027, with completion expected by 2032. This timeline is critical for HAL, which is ramping up its Manufacturing capabilities to meet the IAF’s demands. The state-owned manufacturer plans to establish three production lines, two in Bengaluru and one in Nashik, to achieve an annual output of 24 Tejas jets. This industrial scale-up is essential to ensure that the airframes are ready as the GE engines arrive, preventing bottlenecks in the aircraft’s induction into service.
The Tejas LCA Mk1A is projected to feature approximately 70% indigenous content, integrating advanced domestic systems like the UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar and the Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
This engine deal carries weight beyond its immediate military application. It is a clear indicator of the strengthening defense and strategic Partnerships between India and the United States. As India seeks to counter the growing military capabilities of its neighbors, particularly China, such collaborations with Western partners have become increasingly important. The reliable supply of American-made engines for a frontline Indian fighter jet solidifies a technological and logistical interdependence that serves the strategic interests of both nations.
However, the path has not been without its challenges. The rollout of the Tejas fighters has previously faced delays attributed to a slow delivery pace from GE on the 2021 engine order. As of early November 2025, only four of the 99 engines from that deal had been delivered. Officials at HAL have since stated that these supply chain issues have been addressed, with an expectation of receiving two engines per month going forward, a crucial factor for maintaining the production schedule. This resolution is vital for the IAF’s operational readiness and its ability to phase out older aircraft in a timely manner.
Looking ahead, this F404 engine deal may be a precursor to an even deeper collaboration. Discussions are already underway between HAL and GE for a landmark agreement to manufacture the more powerful F414 engines in India. This future deal, valued at over $1.5 billion, would involve a significant transfer of technology, reportedly over 80%, and is intended for the next-generation Tejas Mk2 fighters. Such an arrangement would be a monumental leap for India’s “Make in India” initiative, providing its domestic aerospace industry with the capability to produce cutting-edge jet engine technology on its own soil.
Conclusion: Powering India’s Aerial Future
The finalization of the deal for 113 GE F404 engines is a pragmatic and essential step in the evolution of the Tejas program. It provides the necessary propulsion for the expanded fleet of Mk1A fighters, ensuring that the Indian Air Force can continue its modernization trajectory and maintain a credible deterrent. The agreement directly addresses the immediate needs of the IAF by securing the power plants for nearly 100 new aircraft, which are vital for arresting the decline in its fighter squadron numbers.
Beyond the hardware, this procurement reinforces the strategic alignment between India and the United States and sets the stage for future, more ambitious collaborations in defense manufacturing. The potential for co-producing the next-generation F414 engine in India represents a transformative opportunity for the nation’s aerospace ecosystem. If realized, it would not only power the more advanced Tejas Mk2 but also significantly boost India’s long-term goal of achieving true self-reliance in the critical and complex field of military aviation technology.
FAQ
Question: What exactly did the new deal between India’s HAL and US’s GE entail?
Answer: The deal is for the procurement of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines and a support package to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A variant for the Indian Air Force.
Question: How many Tejas Mk1A aircraft will these engines be for?
Answer: These 113 engines are intended for the 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft that HAL is manufacturing for the Indian Air Force, following a contract signed in September 2025.
Question: What is the delivery timeline for these engines?
Answer: The Delivery of the 113 engines is scheduled to start in 2027 and is expected to be completed by 2032.
Question: Is this the first time India has bought these engines from GE?
Answer: No, in August 2021, HAL signed a $716 million deal with GE for 99 F404-GE-IN20 engines for the first batch of Tejas Mk1A jets.
Question: Are there plans for future engine collaborations between HAL and GE?
Answer: Yes, there are ongoing negotiations for a larger agreement to manufacture the more powerful F414 engines in India under a technology transfer agreement. This is for the next-generation Tejas Mk2 fighters.
Sources: Reuters
Photo Credit: HAL
Defense & Military
Gripen F Completes Inaugural Flight in Linköping Sweden
Saab and the Brazilian Air Force completed the first flight of the Gripen F two-seat fighter on August 28, 2026.
Saab and the Brazilian Air Force have successfully completed the inaugural flight of the Gripen F, the two-seat variant of the Gripen E fighter, initiating the airborne test campaign for the jointly developed aircraft.
The aircraft took off from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, on August 28, 2026. In a press release issued today, the manufacturer confirmed the milestone advances a comprehensive technology transfer program designed to deliver both pilot training and full operational combat capabilities.
Inaugural flight and test campaign
The flight commenced at 09:40 local time and lasted 40 minutes. Saab Chief Test Pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force Test Pilot Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos operated the aircraft.
Lars Tossman, Head of Business Area Aeronautics at Saab, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the milestone.
“This first flight represents an important step forward for both Saab and the Brazilian Air Force. Seeing Gripen F take to the skies is particularly significant for all the Swedish and Brazilian teams whose years of engineering work have helped turn this aircraft into a reality. It is designed to accelerate pilot training while and enhancing operational performance in advanced combat missions,” Tossman said.
The Gripen F test program will now transition into a progressive envelope expansion phase. Saab stated that upcoming flights will clear performance limits, including speed, altitude, G-load, and angle of attack, while evaluating the tactical systems of the independent rear cockpit.
Design specifications and Brazilian procurement
The Gripen F incorporates specific design modifications to accommodate a second crew member. According to Air Data News, the two-seat variant measures 15.9 meters in length, compared to the 15.2-meter single-seat Gripen E, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 16,500 kilograms. To make room for the rear cockpit, engineers omitted the internal 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannon found on the single-seat model. Despite this change, the aircraft retains full operational combat capability and utilizes the same General Electric F414G engine.
The development of the Gripen F is heavily tied to Brazilian defense procurement. Aviation Week reports that the Brazilian Air Force ordered eight Gripen F aircraft as part of a broader 36-aircraft contract signed in 2014. Saab officially presented the first Gripen F during a rollout ceremony in Linköping on June 2, 2026. The manufacturer noted that more than 350 Brazilian engineers, technicians, and pilots have participated in training and development activities for the program.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful first flight of the Gripen F as a critical validation of the technology transfer agreement between Saab and its Brazilian partners, including Embraer. The integration of a fully combat-capable rear cockpit ensures the Brazilian Air Force can conduct advanced training while maintaining frontline fleet readiness. Delivering the two-seat variant on schedule strengthens Saab’s position in future export campaigns where dual-role trainer and combat aircraft are required.
Sources: Saab
Photo Credit: Saab
Defense & Military
Neura Defense Systems Rebrands as Volantyx Aerospace
Neura Defense Systems rebrands as Volantyx Aerospace to develop counter-UAS tech targeting RF-silent drone swarms.
Saint Petersburg, Florida-based Neura Defense Systems, Inc. announced on August 26, 2026, that it has rebranded as Volantyx Aerospace, Inc. to reflect its expansion from a single-product defense developer into a broader aerospace technology platform.
In a press release issued Wednesday, the company stated the original Neura Defense Systems name will be retained for its defense division and current operating business. The corporate restructuring aligns with the company’s focus on developing a distributed edge-intelligence architecture designed to counter autonomous, radio-frequency-silent drone swarms.
Addressing the RF-silent swarm-drone gap
Volantyx Aerospace is targeting a specific vulnerability in current counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) defense networks. Traditional detection and mitigation rely heavily on radio frequency (RF) signals, which are ineffective against pre-programmed or autonomous aircraft that do not emit such signals.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Sam Talari explained the limitations of legacy systems in the company’s announcement, noting that the new architecture is built on the assumption that any single sensor can be degraded or absent.
An RF sensor cannot detect a signal that is not there, and a jammer cannot sever a control link that does not exist. We start from the aircraft’s physical signature instead — radar return, sound, heat, visual — and combine those into one track and one decision picture for the operator.
The company has filed 13 United States provisional patent applications covering multi-modal sensor fusion, distributed networking, cognitive command, and the detection of non-emitting aircraft. The resulting intelligence layer is designed to make decisions at the edge without cloud dependency while preserving a record of system observations.
Development timeline and market positioning
The rebranding occurs as federal investment in counter-UAS technologies accelerates. Volantyx Aerospace remains in the development stage, with its core capabilities currently undergoing hardware integration and field evaluation following initial tests in a controlled environment.
The company clarified in its release that it does not yet claim a fielded deployment, operational performance metrics, or a contract award. Volantyx Aerospace plans to begin manufacturing or supplying effectors in early 2027. The corporate name change is a structural adjustment for the Delaware corporation and does not alter existing agreements, obligations, or ownership.
AirPro News analysis
The transition from Neura Defense Systems to Volantyx Aerospace signals a strategic pivot to capture dual-use commercial and defense markets. As autonomous UAS capabilities proliferate, the reliance on RF jamming and detection is becoming a recognized vulnerability in airspace security. By focusing on multi-modal physical signatures, we view Volantyx’s approach as a necessary evolution in counter-UAS architecture. The company’s explicit acknowledgment that it lacks fielded deployments or contract awards underscores the significant gap between conceptual architecture and operational validation. The early 2027 target for effector manufacturing will be a critical milestone to monitor as the company attempts to transition from a development-stage startup to an active aerospace supplier.
Photo Credit: Neura Defense Systems, Inc.
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin Offers Peru $1.8B F-16 Block 70 Offset Package
Lockheed Martin proposes a $1.8B industrial package for Peru’s F-16 Block 70 program, including UAS assembly and MRO expansion.
Lockheed Martin has outlined a $1.8 billion industrial and social collaboration package for Peru, designed to integrate local firms into the global aerospace supply chain as part of the country’s F-16 Block 70 procurement program.
Announced in a press release on August 26, 2026, the offset proposal follows the Peruvian government’s April 2026 decision to acquire an initial batch of 12 F-16 Block 70 aircraft. The comprehensive package aims to position Peru as a regional hub for advanced unmanned systems and aerospace services.
Expanding Peru’s aerospace industrial base
The proposed industrial agreement focuses heavily on technology transfer and domestic manufacturing. Key components include the domestic assembly of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) tailored for the Latin American market, the establishment of joint research hubs, and the creation of a UAS Technical Institute. The package also outlines plans to expand Peru’s high-tech maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) footprint.
“As we collaborate with the local industry, we aim to deliver tangible, high-value opportunities that build a skilled workforce, enable knowledge transfer and create lasting economic impact on both sides of the partnership,” said Tara Lause, Vice President of Business Development for the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin.
Lause added that the procurement creates enduring alliances and industrial collaboration opportunities with the United States and other partner nations.
Fleet modernization and electronic warfare capabilities
Peru is currently working to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29s and French Mirage 2000s. The F-16 Block 70 was selected over competing bids from Saab and Dassault. To equip the new fleet, the government of Peru selected L3Harris Technologies to provide its AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield all-digital electronic warfare suite, a decision announced on August 17, 2026. The Viper Shield system provides advanced radar warning and jamming capabilities.
Lockheed Martin noted that the F-16 is currently operated by 29 countries, with a global fleet of 2,800 aircraft. Mike Shoemaker, Vice President of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, stated that the selection highlights the aircraft’s operational performance and ability to meet pressing defense requirements.
AirPro News analysis
The announcement of a $1.8 billion industrial offset package is a strategic move by Lockheed Martin to solidify the F-16 Block 70 sale amid a complex political environment in Lima. While the Peruvian government selected the aircraft in April 2026, regional defense reporting indicates that the procurement process has encountered delays linked to ministerial resignations and defense budget debates. By offering substantial domestic manufacturing opportunities, including UAS assembly and MRO expansion, Lockheed Martin is providing Peruvian leadership with a strong economic justification to finalize the state-to-state contract. We view this comprehensive technology transfer as a critical lever in moving the procurement from selection to a finalized, funded agreement.
Sources: Lockheed Martin
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
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