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Rajnath Urges Faster Delivery Of GE Jet Engines, Apache Helicopters In Call with US Defence Secretary: Report
AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter. (Image Source:- Twitter/@Boeing_In) (Representative Image)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has asked US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth to expedite the delivery of GE F404 jet engines and Apache helicopters, amid delays in key defence procurements, the Indian Express reported.
The discussion happened during a phone conversation between the two leaders on Tuesday (1 June), their third since Hegseth assumed office in January.
Singh reportedly also pressed for fast-tracking the joint production of GE F414 engines for the Tejas Mk-2 and the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The F414 programme, first announced in 2023, has been delayed due to prolonged negotiations over the transfer of advanced technologies.
In 2021, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) had placed an order worth Rs 5,375 crore for 99 F404 engines to power the Tejas Mk-1A.
The first unit was delivered in April 2025, nearly 18 months late.
Meanwhile, none of the six Apache attack helicopters ordered for the Indian Army in 2020 have been delivered yet.
He further conveyed that India reserves the right to defend itself and to “pre-empt as well as deter any further cross-border attacks”.
In a statement, the Defence Ministry said Singh appreciated the “unwavering support” of the United States in India’s counter-terrorism efforts.
“He complimented the US Secretary of Defense for his dynamic leadership which has propelled defence cooperation between US and India to new levels,” the statement added.
Hegseth has invited Singh to visit the US for further talks.
In a post on X, Singh said he looked forward to an early meeting and discussed ways to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and capacity building.
