HAL Bolsters TEJAS Mk-1A Production with Third GE F404 Engine Delivery
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has taken delivery of the third General Electric F404-IN20 engine from the United States for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS Mk-1A project, according to defense officials on Thursday. A fourth engine is anticipated to arrive later this month, indicating a gradual recovery in the supply chain following previous disruptions.
HAL is on track to receive a total of 12 engines by the end of the financial year, which is crucial to fulfilling its production obligations for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF has already placed an order for 83 TEJAS Mk-1A aircraft, and the Cabinet Committee on Security has recently approved the procurement of an additional 97 units, bringing the total number of Mk-1A planes to nearly 180.
The engine delivery schedule has encountered delays in recent years. In 2021, India entered into a $716 million agreement with GE for 99 F404-IN20 engines; however, supply chain issues, including a South Korean supplier's inability to provide essential components, extended the timeline to March 2025. The recent arrival of engines in 2025 has restored confidence in HAL's production plan.
HAL is enhancing its assembly lines in Bengaluru and Nashik and is working with private sector partners under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to meet future demand. They aim to increase production to 30 aircraft per year by the fiscal year 2026–27, aligning with global fighter production standards.
The TEJAS development plan envisions the induction of approximately 352 aircraft in the Mk-1A and Mk-2 variants. The Mk-2 will be powered by the more advanced GE F414 engine, which will also be co-manufactured in India. For HAL, the consistent supply of engines is critical, as they are the most significant imported component in an otherwise largely indigenous fighter design.
For the IAF, the on-time delivery of engines is crucial for maintaining squadron readiness, particularly as the aging MiG-21 fleet is scheduled for retirement by 2025. An increase in TEJAS deliveries will help mitigate any fleet shortfall and bolster India's indigenous airpower capabilities.
With the recent engine delivery, HAL seems set to overcome previous supply chain challenges and accelerate production, reinforcing its position as India's leading aerospace manufacturer and advancing the country's long-term goal of self-reliance in defense aviation.
