Significant Trade Deal Between India and the US: A Boon for Military Technology
The recent announcement of a highly anticipated trade agreement between India and the United States holds promising prospects for the military technology arena. This development is particularly crucial as numerous ongoing military initiatives in New Delhi are contingent upon the strengthening of relations with Washington, D.C.
India is firmly committed to procuring US-manufactured engines essential for its fighter jet program. However, complications arose last year when India-US relations deteriorated, causing postponements in the supply of engines for the Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets.
This situation has sparked apprehensions regarding the anticipated transfer of technology for the next-generation Tejas Mark 2 aircraft.
These programs are of paramount importance, especially since Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the public sector aircraft manufacturer, is projected to construct over 500 jets utilizing US-engineered powerplants.
The technology collaboration between India and the US currently finds itself at a pivotal juncture. In June 2023, the US consented to a technology transfer and engaged in a joint venture aimed at producing the General Electric F-414 aero-engine.
Notably, the forthcoming Tejas Mark-2 fighter jet has been meticulously designed around the specifications of this engine, with its inaugural flight anticipated in early 2026.
In New Delhi, uncertainty lingers, as the technology transfer from General Electric to HAL necessitates approval from the US administration. Enhanced bilateral ties could potentially alleviate these concerns, according to informed sources.
The transfer of technology regarding the engine could decisively influence the trajectory of the India-US military-technology partnership for the next four to five decades.
Compounding these complexities, India is also experiencing delays in the delivery of contracted GE F404 engines, critical for the Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet.
In July of the previous year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, to expedite the delivery process.
The postponement in the supply of F404 engines has hindered the projected delivery timeline for the aircraft. HAL is endeavoring to construct 180 planes for the Indian Air Force, with the initial deliveries slated to commence in March 2024. However, as of now, only six engines have been delivered by General Electric.
Prior to the trade agreement’s announcement, the US had issued two significant policy statements advocating for an expansion of “defense and military” collaborations with India.
In December, during the approval of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the US administration emphasized the importance of “increasing engagement” with India by 2026, including potential collaboration through the Quad.
Furthermore, last month’s US national security strategy highlighted India’s strategic importance for preserving balance against China in the contentious waters of the South China Sea.
The military-technology relationship between the US and India traces its origins back two decades, emerging from post-Cold War openness.
India has progressively acquired advanced military equipment—primarily aircraft and helicopters—from the US. Yet, the aspiration for co-development and co-manufacturing remains an unfulfilled promise.
Source link: Tribuneindia.com.
