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NDTV
4 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
Exclusive: Top Defence Official On Challenges, Timelines Of Deliveries
Show Quick Read Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed New Delhi: India's Operation Sindoor that smashed terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan has reignited interest in homegrown defence technology and hardware. In an exclusive interview to NDTV, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh explained the need for ensuring that import in this industry becomes an exception and not the norm. He also pointed out the critical need for defence vendors and manufacturers for sticking to timelines for deliverables, and also acknowledged challenges that often come in the way, such as geopolitical factors. "It is a problem that is not confined to our own industry. I think geopolitical factors also played a part and many of our contracts got held up. Let's take a few examples. The S-400 [missile system] got held up because of the conflict [Ukraine-Russia] there. The fourth and the fifth batteries are now probably going to come next year after almost a two-year delay," Mr Singh told NDTV. He said GE's F-404 engines got held up and as a result, disrupted Tejas' supply chain and delayed deliveries of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) to the forces by two years. "So some of these are linked to global supply chain issues. Others could be internal management failures or inability to plan. What I can do is of course ensure that contract signings are done on time," the 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Kerala cadre told NDTV. He said the government holds vendors accountable for long delays. The defence secretary said that on the day of the delivery in a project that was to be completed in one year, for example, India can't have a situation where it is forced to go for emergency procurement. "... There are vendors that seek time after two or even three years more to fulfil contracts. Obviously, I'm not saying it's a factor which affects only the domestic manufacturers. It affects global manufacturers as well. But somewhere accountability will have to be ensured when it comes to contract fulfilment as well, both from the public and from the private sector," Mr Singh said. During Operation Sindoor, India's homegrown air defence network stopped Pakistani missiles and drones effectively, highlighting the importance of having indigenous systems work together. On the intervening night of May 9 and 10, when Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks on Indian military and civilian areas, they met the homegrown impenetrable wall of self-defence called the 'Akashteer' system. It is part of the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) designed by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IACCS was the tip of the spear in the air defence (AD) component of Operation Sindoor. India's integrated AD system - which includes AD systems of the army, navy and the air force - was brought together by the IACCS, which gave the forces a net-centric operational capability, vital to modern-day warfighting.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
IAF's fifth-generation stealth fighter: US giant GE says ‘very interested' in making engines; to speed up jet engine delivery for Tejas Mark-1A
IAF's fifth-generation stealth fighter project: US' General Electric (GE) has said that it is 'very interested' in making engines for India's fifth-generation stealth fighter project. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It will compete to manufacture engines for the Indian Air Force's fifth-generation stealth fighter and advanced medium combat aircraft, GE chairman and CEO Larry Culp said. The aerospace giant views India as a key strategic market for both civilian and military aerospace operations, according to Culp. GE is also working to speed up delivery of F-404 jet engines to India's Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL). GE says it has accelerated the supply of jet engines to HAL for the Tejas Mark-1A fighter programme, which has experienced significant delays. The company delivered its first F-404 engine from a total order of 99 units in March, approximately two years later than planned. "That is our intent and we've communicated that to everyone," Culp said. "We are working with the suppliers to ramp their capability. We're making good progress. I just look at April and May of this year compared to where we were in the first quarter—we've seen a double-digit increase in the number of receipts,' he told ET in an interview. India's 5th Generation Fighter Jet Project "We are very interested," Culp said. "If you look at what we're doing with the Tejas with our 404 engines, we are right in the middle of probably what matters most in that regard. The US and India enjoy a very strong relationship. So we are here, we want to be supportive and are engaged so we possibly can be." Also Read | India revealed its plans to expedite the development of a domestic fifth-generation stealth fighter last month. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This announcement followed shortly after Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. The development of a crucial high-thrust engine component is expected to proceed through collaboration with an international manufacturer. GE will encounter competition from other industry leaders, including Safran and Rolls-Royce. Tejas Mark-1A delays Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the IAF chief, has expressed worries regarding delays in acquiring essential military equipment. Production capacity limitations amongst manufacturers are causing setbacks in both defence programmes and commercial aviation deliveries. Culp indicated that despite implementing various measures to reduce the impact of delays, resolving supply chain issues will require additional time. "The progress we're achieving is substantial, both within GE and throughout the sector," he stated. "However, considering the yearly rise in demand projections, supply chain discussions will persist. This reflects our current position within a significant growth cycle." Also Read | GE intends to establish a civilian aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in India when operational volumes reach suitable levels. "It's not a question of possibility but rather timing," he explained. "We need to ensure adequate market volume exists to justify such investment commitments." GE currently operates over 1,400 engines in India, which power both narrow and wide-body aircraft, with future orders amounting to approximately 2,500 units. "These figures clearly demonstrate India's significance as a key market for our operations," Culp remarked.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
General Electric Eager to Power India's 5th Gen Fighter Jet
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in Epaper US' General Electric (GE) will vie for the contract to make engines for the Indian Air Force 's fifth-generation stealth fighter or advanced medium combat aircraft , chairman and chief executive Larry Culp told ET in an said the aerospace major considers India a strategically important market for both the civil and defence aerospace businesses.'We are very interested,' he said. 'If you look at what we're doing with the Tejas with our 404 engines, we are right in the middle of probably what matters most in that regard. The US and India enjoy a very strong relationship. So we are here, we want to be supportive and are engaged so we possibly can be.'Last month, India announced a long-awaited plan to fast-track the development of an indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter. The announcement came days after Operation Sindoor against of the most critical components—a high-thrust engine—will likely be developed through a joint venture with a foreign manufacturer. GE will face competition on this from rivals such as Safran and is also stepping up the delivery of jet engines to plane maker Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) for the Tejas Mark-1A fighter, which has been much delayed. In March, GE delivered the first of 99 F-404 engines, around two years behind schedule.'That is our intent and we've communicated that to everyone,' Culp said. 'We are working with the suppliers to ramp their capability. We're making good progress. I just look at April and May of this year compared to where we were in the first quarter—we've seen a double-digit increase in the number of receipts.'IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh recently voiced concerns about delays in the procurement of critical military military programmes and commercial airline sales are increasingly being delayed due to the inability of manufacturers to ramp up production. Culp said that though multiple actions are being taken to lessen the impact, it will be a while before the problem is solved.'We are making a tremendous amount of progress not only in GE but across the industry,' he said. 'But when you look at the demand expectations that only increase every year, we're going to be talking about supply chain for a while. That's just the nature of the challenge where we are in a super cycle.'GE will also look to set up a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for civilian aircraft engines in India once the volume increases. 'I think that's more a matter of when, as opposed to if,' he said. 'We want to make sure we have the underlying volume in the marketplace that would support those investments.'GE has more than 1,400 engines operating in India, powering both narrow and wide body aircraft and an order book for around 2,500 more. 'The number is sufficient to say that India is a priority country for us,' Culp you look at what we're doing with the Tejas with 404 engines, we are right in the middle of probably what matters most... The US and India enjoy a very strong relationship. So we are here, we want to be supportive.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
GE eyes engine deal for India's stealth fighter, ramps up jet deliveries
US' General Electric (GE) will vie for the contract to make engines for the Indian Air Force 's fifth-generation stealth fighter or advanced medium combat aircraft , chairman and chief executive Larry Culp told ET in an interview. Culp said the aerospace major considers India a strategically important market for both the civil and defence aerospace businesses. 'We are very interested,' he said. 'If you look at what we're doing with the Tejas with our 404 engines, we are right in the middle of probably what matters most in that regard. The US and India enjoy a very strong relationship. So we are here, we want to be supportive and are engaged so we possibly can be.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You (See Prices) Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Learn More Undo Last month, India announced a long-awaited plan to fast-track the development of an indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter. The announcement came days after Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. One of the most critical components—a high-thrust engine—will likely be developed through a joint venture with a foreign manufacturer. GE will face competition on this from rivals such as Safran and Rolls-Royce. Live Events Eyeing more volumes in India: Culp GE is also stepping up the delivery of jet engines to plane maker Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) for the Tejas Mark-1A fighter, which has been much delayed. In March, GE delivered the first of 99 F-404 engines, around two years behind schedule. 'That is our intent and we've communicated that to everyone,' Culp said. 'We are working with the suppliers to ramp their capability. We're making good progress. I just look at April and May of this year compared to where we were in the first quarter—we've seen a double-digit increase in the number of receipts.' IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh recently voiced concerns about delays in the procurement of critical military platforms. Both military programmes and commercial airline sales are increasingly being delayed due to the inability of manufacturers to ramp up production. Culp said that though multiple actions are being taken to lessen the impact, it will be a while before the problem is solved. 'We are making a tremendous amount of progress not only in GE but across the industry,' he said. 'But when you look at the demand expectations that only increase every year, we're going to be talking about supply chain for a while. That's just the nature of the challenge where we are in a super cycle.' GE will also look to set up a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for civilian aircraft engines in India once the volume increases. 'I think that's more a matter of when, as opposed to if,' he said. 'We want to make sure we have the underlying volume in the marketplace that would support those investments.' GE has more than 1,400 engines operating in India, powering both narrow and wide-body aircraft and an order book for around 2,500 more. 'The number is sufficient to say that India is a priority country for us,' Culp said.
