General Electric (GE) Aerospace has delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), intended to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A fighter jets. This milestone marks the initiation of deliveries for a program that has faced significant delays due to challenges in restarting the production line. The announcement was made on March 26, 2025, after a series of setbacks primarily related to the reactivation of the production line, which had been inactive for several years.
The inaugural engine left the GE facility on March 25, 2025, and is scheduled to arrive in India by April 2025. Defense sources indicate that a total of 12 engines are expected to be delivered this year, facilitating the assembly of the initial batch of Tejas Mk1A jets. HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director, D.K. Sunil, confirmed during Aero India 2025 that preparations are underway for 12 Tejas Mk1A jets to be ready this year, with an ambitious plan to produce 24 aircraft annually starting next year.
The restart of the production line encountered several obstacles, which Shawn Warren, General Manager of Combat & Trainer Engines at GE Aerospace, attributed to the complexities surrounding the revival of a facility that had been dormant for five years. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, disrupting supply chains and delaying manufacturing processes. However, GE Aerospace has since overcome these supply chain issues and is actively collaborating with its global suppliers to accelerate production and adhere to delivery schedules.
The F404-IN20 engine, chosen for the LCA Mk1 in 2004, has undergone customization to cater to the specific requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This engine variant is noted for its high thrust, enhanced fan flow, and specially designed single-crystal turbine blades, alongside a range of other tailored components. The engine has demonstrated its performance and compatibility with the Tejas platform, achieving notable speeds and altitudes during test flights as early as 2008.
Up to 2016, GE Aerospace had successfully delivered 65 F404-IN20 engines for the 40 units of Tejas Mk1 previously ordered, but the absence of new orders led to the suspension of production. In 2021, when HAL commissioned 99 additional engines for the Mk1A variant, GE Aerospace took on the significant challenge of reactivating the production line and reconnecting with its international supply chain.
The prolonged delays in delivering the 83 LCA-Mk1A jets to the IAF have raised concerns, particularly as the service seeks to boost its fighter fleet, which is currently below its authorized strength. IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh previously indicated a crucial need for an influx of 35-40 new fighter jets annually. With engine deliveries finally set to begin, attention is now focused on the phased retirement of several older aircraft models, including the Jaguar, MiG-29UPG, and Mirage-2000, which are expected to be decommissioned by the end of the decade. Meanwhile, the development of the larger and more advanced LCA-Mk2 continues, alongside the ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, which is projected to take at least another decade before induction into service.
In terms of future production, HAL has committed to a schedule of producing 24 Tejas Mk1A jets annually starting next year. Mr. Sunil has reported that three aircraft have already been built, and by the close of 2025, an additional 11 jets are expected to be completed—distributed between HAL’s facilities in Nashik and Bengaluru. The entire order for 87 LCA-Mk1A jets is projected to be fulfilled in three and a half years, while a further order for 97 jets is anticipated to be completed by FY 2031-32.
In light of the delays and ongoing evolution of the fighter jet fleet, a high-level empowered committee led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has been established to assess and enhance the capabilities of the IAF. The committee has already pinpointed critical areas for improvement and has submitted its recommendations to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, aimed at addressing both immediate and long-term strategic challenges.
The commencement of deliveries of the F404-IN20 engines represents a significant advancement in overcoming production delays, which is expected to not only revitalize the LCA-Mk1A program but also boost India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities and enhance the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force.
