The Usanas Foundation CEO, Dr. Abhinav Pandya, has made some remarks that have sparked speculation about possible hidden agendas regarding the Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets in India and the hold-up in the delivery of GE F404 engines.
Dr. Pandya speculated that the delay might be a component of a larger American destabilization plot against India during an interaction with the media. He did stress, though, that this theory needs more convincing data.
Also Read: Malaysia wants BrahMos missile for Sukhoi-30MKM fleet
The Indian Air Force (IAF) depends on the Tejas Mark-1A program, and the timely delivery of GE F404 engines is essential to the program’s success. Officially ascribed to problems with the worldwide supply chain, the delay has already affected manufacturing schedules, delaying deliveries by eleven months. Although there are unlikely to be any financial repercussions because GE Aerospace notified Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) beforehand, the delay has cast doubt on the US’s commitment to its defense deals with India.
Recent high-profile agreements between India and the United States to enhance their defense capabilities include the co-production of GE F414 jet engines, the procurement of Apache helicopters, and the purchase of MQ-9B drones. This collaboration may be strained by the delay in delivering essential parts like the F404 engines, particularly as India greatly depends on these accords to strengthen its defense capabilities.
