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Is U.S. Delaying Supplies of Engines for Tejas Jets on Purpose?
Is U.S. Delaying Supplies of Engines for Tejas Jets on Purpose?
Sputnik India
The delay in supplying critical military hardware, including Apache attack helicopters and engines for the Tejas fighter jets, to India by the US could be a part of American tactics to exert pressure on New Delhi, strategic affairs experts have told Sputnik India.
2024-08-18T08:00+0530
2024-08-18T08:00+0530
2024-08-18T08:00+0530
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After US defence major GE delayed the delivery of engines for India's homegrown Tejas warplanes, deeply impacting Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) production timeline for the aircraft, the supply of Apache helicopters to the Indian Army has also been deferred.The Indian Army, which had signed a $600 million deal for six Apache helicopters in 2020, was to receive the first batch from the US in May 2024 but is yet to obtain a single unit of the choppers.This delay could be due to the US attempting to convey a message or express displeasure to New Delhi, Dr Abhinav Pandya, CEO of the Rajasthan-based national security think tank Usanas Foundation, told Sputnik India on Friday.He noted that there is an assumption within the Indian security establishment and among certain sections of the country's political leadership, particularly after Sheikh Hasina's ouster in Bangladesh, that "foreign forces are working day and night to weaken India."Meanwhile, in his Independence Day speech on Thursday, PM Modi clearly stated that there were attempts to destabilise India, which gave an official stamp to the popular opinion that foreign hands are intent on altering the situation in the country, Pandya highlighted.In the meantime, the ties between the US and India have hit some rough patches lately, Bengaluru-based defence analyst, Girish Linganna, pointed out in a conversation with Sputnik India.He emphasized that considering America's history of intervening in other countries and its involvement in regime changes, it's understandable, why some might view these actions with suspicion.However, Linganna noted that international relations are complicated, with many different factors at play, and therefore, blaming everything on a single conspiracy would oversimplify the situation.Furthermore, he explained that the delay in the delivery of Apache helicopters and GE engines is causing significant issues for the country's defense forces, which he categorised as:Meanwhile, the issue is likely to be a central focus of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's discussions with U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin during his visit to the United States from August 23-27. Singh is expected to urge the US to find a resolution of given challenges, as both countries consider bilateral defence ties strategically important.
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Is U.S. Delaying Supplies of Engines for Tejas Jets on Purpose?
The delay in supplying critical military hardware, including Apache attack helicopters and engines for the Tejas fighter jets, to India by the US could be a part of American tactics to exert pressure on New Delhi, strategic affairs experts have told Sputnik India.
After
US defence major GE
delayed the delivery of engines for India's homegrown
Tejas warplanes, deeply impacting Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) production timeline for the aircraft, the supply of Apache helicopters to the Indian Army has also been deferred.
The Indian Army, which had signed a $600 million deal for six Apache helicopters in 2020, was to receive the first batch from the US in May 2024 but is yet to obtain a single unit of the choppers.
This delay could be due to the US attempting to convey a message or express displeasure to New Delhi, Dr Abhinav Pandya, CEO of the Rajasthan-based national security think tank Usanas Foundation, told Sputnik India on Friday.
"The delay in the supply of Apache helicopters and GE engines for Tejas warplanes could be related to the alleged larger US goal of destablising India. However, this would require more concrete evidence to emerge in order to draw a direct connection between the delay of this military equipment and the country's conspiracy to disrupt India," Pandya stated.
He noted that there is an assumption within the Indian security establishment and among certain sections of the country's political leadership, particularly after Sheikh Hasina's ouster in Bangladesh, that "foreign forces are
working day and night to weaken India."
Meanwhile, in his Independence Day speech on Thursday, PM Modi clearly stated that there were attempts to destabilise India, which gave an official stamp to the popular opinion that foreign hands are intent on altering the situation in the country, Pandya highlighted.
"Events like Bangladesh and the Hindenburg Report add more weight to such perceptions, particularly the opinion that the West led by the American deep state is attempting something similar like Dhaka in New Delhi," the expert opined.
In the meantime, the ties between the US and India have hit some rough patches lately, Bengaluru-based defence analyst, Girish Linganna, pointed out in a conversation with Sputnik India.
"Criticism of India's democratic practices and recent espionage issues have led to increased tensions. The US also isn't happy with India's foreign policy, especially its close ties with Russia, which has added more strain. Some people might see these actions as the US trying to influence India, which could destabilise the region," Linganna said.
He emphasized that considering America's history of intervening in other countries and its involvement in regime changes, it's understandable, why some might view these actions with suspicion.
However, Linganna noted that international relations are complicated, with many different factors at play, and therefore, blaming everything on a single conspiracy would oversimplify the situation.
Furthermore, he explained that the delay in the delivery of Apache helicopters and GE engines is causing significant issues for the country's defense forces, which he categorised as:
Readiness Issues: India's Air Force (IAF) and Army are experiencing setbacks. The delay in the Tejas Mk-1A affects air defence, while the absence of Apache helicopters impacts attack and reconnaissance missions.
Strategic Challenges: These delays mean relying on older equipment, which might not perform as well and could increase risks during missions.
Training Delays: The schedule disruptions make it hard to train pilots and ground crews, slowing down the integration of these advanced systems.
Dependence on Others: Relying on foreign suppliers shows vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for India to speed up its local defence production.
Diplomatic Tensions: While global supply chain issues are common, repeated delays from a major defence partner like the US can strain diplomatic relations and affect trust.
Meanwhile, the issue is likely to be a central focus of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's discussions with U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin during his visit to the United States from August 23-27. Singh is expected to urge the US to find a resolution of given challenges, as both countries consider bilateral defence ties strategically important.
