5️⃣ The Engine Dependency Contradiction
The Atmanirbhar narrative emphasizes indigenous capability. Yet Tejas depends on American GE F404 engines.
That is not abnormal in global aerospace collaboration. But it undercuts the rhetoric of full autonomy.
Earlier geopolitical threads discussed the possibility of RD-33/93-class engine co-production involving India and Russia. Once India pivoted decisively toward American powerplants for Tejas, that pathway dissolved.
That pivot changed regional engine logistics calculations permanently.
Strategic independence in aerospace is defined by propulsion sovereignty. Until engine manufacturing becomes indigenous, autonomy remains partial.
if ( function_exists( 'pgntn_display_pagination' ) ) pgntn_display_pagination( 'multipage' );
