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After delays, American defense major GE Aerospace has delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A program. These engines will power India’s indigenously developed fighter jets, strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet.
HAL had signed a ₹48,000 crore contract with the Indian defense ministry in 2021 for the production of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets. However, the scheduled engine deliveries, set to begin in March 2024, were delayed due to supply chain challenges. With the arrival of the first engine, HAL is now expected to proceed with aircraft handovers to the IAF.
The F404-IN20, a custom variant designed for India’s Tejas program, features the highest thrust in the F404 family, along with a higher-flow fan and advanced single-crystal turbine blades. GE Aerospace had previously supplied 65 such engines by 2016 but shut down production due to a lack of new orders. When HAL placed an order for 99 additional engines in 2021, GE faced challenges in restarting production, which had been dormant for five years. The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed operations.
With production now fully resumed, GE Aerospace will ensure a steady supply of engines. The Tejas fighter, designed for air combat, offensive air support, reconnaissance, and anti-ship roles, is set to become a key component of the IAF. Additionally, India’s defense ministry has approved the procurement of 97 more Tejas jets, reinforcing India’s commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing.
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