The Mexican Air Force in searching the key component of its interceptor

The Mexican Air Force has several options for adding a new interceptor jet to its fleet; however, it needs one of the key components to maintain and operate the new interceptor: the engine.

It has become clear that the main problem facing the Mexican Air Force’s F-5E/F interceptors in operating at full capacity is the maintenance of their engines, since there has never been any plan to establish an industrial base capable of repairing and maintaining the General Electric J85 engines these aircraft require; Instead, they are sent abroad for repairs, which significantly reduces the fleet’s operational capacity.

Therefore, Mexico finds itself needing to incorporate an interceptor, first considering which automotive plant will be able to equip the interceptor, thereby providing an opportunity to move toward other aircraft with greater capacity or to expand the fleet, since the engine that powers the aircraft is a key factor in this decision, due to maintenance costs, which also depend on the number of units planned to be incorporated for engine maintenance and repair,so this decision is essential as it will determine the steps the country must take to keep its interceptors combat-ready for at least another 50 years.

Currently, Mexico has many companies capable of performing maintenance on military engines. For example, ITP Aereo in Querétaro—formerly known as Industria de Turborreactores—designs, researches, develops, manufactures, and conducts test assembly of aircraft engines. As part of its service support segment, the plant provides services for a wide variety of regional aircraft engines, helicopter engines, industrial engines, and defense applications.

Similarly, there are a variety of engines required, which each interceptor uses for its repair, maintenance, and operation. Therefore, we must wait for the decision to be made by the relevant authorities.