Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved a significant milestone by receiving the fourth GE-F404-IN20 engine from GE Aerospace, a leading player in the US aerospace sector. This delivery is a crucial step in fulfilling the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) pressing demand for homegrown fighter jets, specifically under the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A program.
The latest engine follows the receipt of the third engine on September 11. As part of the ongoing contract, HAL is expected to acquire a total of 12 engines by the close of the current financial year. These engines are designated for the first batch of 83 LCA Mk-1A aircraft that the IAF has already ordered, with plans for an additional 97 aircraft at a nearly finalized approval stage.
In 2021, India entered into a $716 million agreement with GE for the supply of 99 F404-IN20 engines. However, the project has faced delays, primarily due to global supply chain challenges, including issues stemming from a South Korean component supplier. As a result, the delivery timeline has been pushed back to March 2025.
Despite these hurdles, HAL remains optimistic about achieving its production objectives. The IAF plans to add a total of 352 Tejas aircraft to its fleet, which will include both the Mk-1A variant and the anticipated Mk-2 variant. Future production is expected to ramp up to 30 aircraft per year by 2026–27, with collaboration from both public and private sectors.
The GE-F404-IN20 engine boasts a high thrust-to-weight ratio and reliability, capabilities that are anticipated to significantly bolster the combat performance of the Tejas Mk-1A. This aligns with India’s broader strategy to enhance self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The ongoing efforts showcase the commitment to developing an indigenous defense manufacturing ecosystem that meets international standards while fulfilling national defense requirements.
