Current Affairs - Defence - Discussion

India has acquired the GE-F404 engine from GE Aerospace to power its homegrown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk 1A. This move is pivotal for enhancing the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities and addressing the urgent need to modernise its fleet as older aircraft like the MiG-21 are phased out. Under a ₹5,375 crore agreement signed in 2021, GE is to supply 99 engines, supporting the production of 83 Tejas jets initially, with plans for 97 more. The integration of the F404 engine, along with advanced features like AESA radar and BVR missile capability, marks a major step in India's indigenous defence development.