India bet on the American GE F404-IN20 engine for the light fighter Tejas Mk1A instead of the Russian RD-33 family. However, delays in deliveries from General Electric led to a program delay, IDRW agency reported.

Journalists claim that early versions of the RD-33 allegedly required more frequent overhauls compared to the F404-IN20.

Recall that the RD-33 is designed for light MiG-29 fighters and the carrier-based version MiG-29K. The republic's air force has about 100 units of them in service.

The Indian corporation HAL has long localized the production and repair of Russian engines at its Koraput plant. To support the air fleet, the enterprise repairs at least 200 such power plants.