{"id":97117,"date":"2025-05-28T18:28:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T12:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=97117"},"modified":"2025-05-28T17:17:15","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T11:47:15","slug":"hals-new-tejas-mk2-jet-to-be-powered-by-safran-engines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/28\/hals-new-tejas-mk2-jet-to-be-powered-by-safran-engines\/","title":{"rendered":"HAL’s New Tejas Mk2 Jet to be Powered By Safran Engines"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

BENGALURU-<\/strong> India\u2019s Tejas Mk2, a 4.5-generation fighter jet developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)<\/a>, is set to enhance the Indian Air Force\u2019s (IAF) capabilities with a potential partnership with French aerospace giant Safran for advanced engine development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This strategic move aims to address delays in engine supplies and bolster India\u2019s indigenous defense production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following Operation Sindoor, the IAF, operating from key bases like Sulur Air Force Station, is prioritizing faster production to strengthen its 31 active squadrons against a target of 42.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The collaboration with Safran could power the Tejas Mk2 and support India\u2019s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"HAL
Photo: By I, Mirgolth, CC BY-SA 3.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=2326434<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

HAL Tejas Mk2 Safran Engines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

India\u2019s potential partnership with French aerospace major Safran represents a significant step towards diversifying its engine supply sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, HAL relies on GE Aerospace for the F404-IN20 and F414-GE-INS6 engines to power the Tejas Mk-1 and upcoming Mk-2 jets, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, persistent delays in delivery have disrupted the IAF\u2019s target of maintaining 42 fighter squadrons, which currently stands at just 31.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Indian Defense establishment has identified these disruptions as critical, especially after Operation Sindoor, a security doctrine shift that eliminated the distinction between state and non-state threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Moneycontrol<\/a>, India is aggressively pursuing options to localize engine production, with Safran emerging as a prime candidate for collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The objective is not only to power the Tejas Mk-2 aircraft but also to enhance India’s broader capability in developing high-thrust, next-generation engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the Aero India 2025 event held at Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh voiced concerns over the lag in Tejas Mk-1 deliveries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HAL attributed these setbacks to technical challenges, but the underlying issue remains the delayed engine supply from GE, including the critical F414 units for the Mk-2 variant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"HAL
Photo: By Delhi Defence Review – https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/delhidefencereview\/49943735838\/sizes\/l\/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=90725794<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Next-Generation Aircraft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The journey of Tejas began in 2009 with the IAF\u2019s initial order of 40 Mk-1 aircraft. This was followed by a larger contract in 2021 for 83 Mk-1A fighters, worth \u20b948,000 crore, with deliveries scheduled to begin mid-2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As of March, GE had delivered only the first unit of the 99 engines under this agreement. The delay has not only affected timelines but also undermined confidence in relying solely on US suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

India\u2019s plan to indigenize engine production dates back to the Kaveri engine program by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), which was ultimately deemed unsuitable for LCA requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new Safran collaboration is expected to revive that ambition with better technology and industry experience, potentially providing engines for both Tejas Mk-2 and other future platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"HAL
Photo: By Government of India – https:\/\/x.com\/DRDO_India\/status\/1821898262963744913, GODL-India, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=151464004<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Future Scope<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Safran\u2019s engagement with India is not new. It already operates a joint venture with HAL, Safran Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd, focused on developing modern engines for Indian helicopters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The potential extension of this collaboration to fighter jet engines could leverage existing infrastructure, speeding up both R&D and manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the agreement proceeds, Safran\u2019s engine technology is expected to power the 17.5-tonne Tejas Mk-2, classified as a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This jet is designed to replace aging IAF platforms and will significantly boost India\u2019s air defence readiness once deployed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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HAL Nashik Overhauls 2 More Civilian Aircraft at New Facility<\/a><\/blockquote>