The United States is set to provide India with two F404 engines per month for the Tejas fighter jets until March 2026, as confirmed by Defence Secretary RK Singh in an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18. These engines, produced by General Electric, are essential for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, which is designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Singh noted that one F404 engine was delivered in April, with the next delivery scheduled for the end of July. Following this, the delivery rate will ramp up to two engines monthly. HAL aims to deliver 12 Tejas Mk1A aircraft by the conclusion of the financial year 2026, showcasing a strong commitment to advancing India’s aerospace capabilities.
Additionally, Singh indicated that talks regarding the technology transfer for the advanced F414 engines, designated for the Tejas Mk2, have been successfully concluded. Currently, commercial discussions are in progress, which are anticipated to bolster local production efforts and enhance India’s self-reliance in aerospace.
In a broader context, Singh provided insights into India’s ongoing defence procurement strategies. He announced that the country is actively seeking to expedite the procurement of U.S.-made Javelin anti-tank missile systems. Moreover, Singh mentioned that India is contemplating further orders of the Russian S-400 air defence system, expected to follow the completion of existing deliveries next year. A maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the S-400 system is also being planned within the country.
Upgrades to the BrahMos missile platform are underway, with future variants being adapted for integration with the Tejas aircraft, reflecting India’s ambition to enhance its military capabilities.
Furthermore, Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to significantly enhance India’s drone capabilities. He announced plans for a large order of defence drones under the ‘Buy Indian IDDM’ category, indicating an openness to collaborations with Indian firms that are developing indigenous drones as well as those looking to import technology for local manufacturing.
Emergency and long-term tenders for drones, swarm drones, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are expected to be issued shortly. This strategic push underscores India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defence preparedness and indigenous production capabilities.
