US to Supply F404 Engine Pairs Monthly for Indian Tejas Fighter Jets Through March 2026
The United States will supply India with two F404 engines per month for its Tejas fighter jets until March 2026, according to Defence Secretary RK Singh in an exclusive conversation with CNBC-TV18. These engines, produced by General Electric, are essential for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, which Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactures.
An F404 engine was already delivered in April this year, with another expected by the end of July. Subsequent deliveries will continue at a pace of two engines each month. HAL aims to deliver a total of 12 Tejas Mk1A aircraft by the close of the financial year 2026.
Singh further mentioned that negotiations on technology transfer for the more advanced F414 engines, which are intended for the Tejas Mk2, have reached conclusion. Currently, commercial discussions are in progress. This F414 engine deal is anticipated to bolster local production and boost India's aerospace self-reliance.
Beyond engine supplies, Singh discussed India's extensive defence procurement strategy. He disclosed that India is pursuing the emergency acquisition of U.S.-made Javelin anti-tank missile systems and is contemplating additional orders of the Russian S-400 air defence system following the completion of current deliveries next year. Plans to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the S-400 system in India are also underway.
Ongoing upgrades to the BrahMos missile platform were highlighted, with future versions likely to be integrated with the Tejas aircraft.
Singh underscored the government's ambition to significantly enhance India's drone capabilities, announcing that a substantial order for defence drones will be placed under the ‘Buy Indian IDDM’ category. The Ministry is prepared to collaborate with Indian companies developing indigenous drones, as well as those importing technology for domestic production.
Both emergency and long-term tenders for drones, swarm drones, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are expected to be announced soon, as India seeks to augment its defence readiness and indigenous production capabilities.
