Tejas MK-2 to Take First Flight in 2027, India Prepares Major Deal with US Amidst Tariff Disputes

Despite ongoing tariff tensions between India and the United States, the defense partnership between the two nations continues to advance. According to sources within Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a delegation from the state-owned company will visit the United States this month for the fifth round of discussions regarding the joint production of the GE F414-INS6 engine in India. These engines are being prepared for the Tejas Mk-2 and the initial phase of the AMCA project. HAL sources indicate that discussions are progressing smoothly despite the existing tariff-related issues, with the focus currently on technical cooperation, and pricing negotiations to follow.