Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the third GE-404 engine from the United States for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A program. This engine is crucial for the indigenous Tejas fighter jet, as the Indian Air Force requires a substantial number of these combat aircraft.
New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the third GE-404 engine from the United States, which is vital for the production and delivery schedule of the LCA Mk1A Tejas fighter jet. The arrival of this engine will accelerate the process of increasing the number of indigenous fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force and enable HAL to meet its delivery targets on time.
According to HAL officials, another GE-404 engine will arrive in India by the end of September 2025, further streamlining the production process. These engines are essential for operating the advanced version of the Mk1A Tejas jet and will further strengthen the Indian Air Force's capabilities based on indigenous technology.
Improved Engine Supply to Impact Deliveries
Defense officials state that improvements in the GE-404 engine supply chain will assist HAL in delivering the LCA Mk1A on schedule. Timely availability of engines is paramount for these advanced variant fighter jets. HAL anticipates receiving a total of 12 GE-404 engines by the end of this financial year.
The Indian Air Force has already placed an order for 83 LCA Mk1A fighter jets, and a proposal for the procurement of an additional 97 aircraft is in the final stages of approval. This will expedite the Indian Air Force's goal of inducting modern and indigenous fighter aircraft into its fleet.
$716 Million Engine Deal
HAL and the Indian government signed an agreement with General Electric (GE) in 2021 for the purchase of 99 F404-IN20 engines, valued at $716 million. However, supply delays were experienced due to a component supplier in South Korea, which pushed the delivery schedule to March 2025. With improvements in the supply chain, HAL is now working at an accelerated pace and expects to meet this year's delivery commitments. This enhancement will not only speed up the delivery process but also help equip the Indian Air Force with modern fighter aircraft in a timely manner.
The Indian Air Force aims to induct a total of 352 Tejas aircraft into its fleet, encompassing both Mk1A and Mk2 variants. HAL has stated that engine supply will stabilize completely in the next financial year. The company has set a target of producing 30 aircraft annually by 2026-27, ensuring the active participation of both government and private sector companies.
The timely delivery of advanced fighter jets like the LCA Mk1A will not only bolster the strength of the Indian Air Force but also reinforce the ambitious 'Make in India' initiative.
