Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the fourth GE-F404-IN20 engine from US aerospace major GE Aerospace for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A programme. This delivery marks steady progress in meeting the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) urgent requirement for indigenous fighter jets.
HAL had received the third engine on September 11 and is slated to receive a total of 12 engines by the end of the current financial year. These engines will power the first batch of 83 LCA Mk-1A aircraft already ordered by the IAF, with a proposal for 97 additional aircraft at an advanced stage of approval.
India had signed a $716 million contract with GE in 2021 for 99 F404-IN20 engines. However, global supply chain disruptions — including issues with a South Korean component supplier — delayed the delivery schedule, pushing timelines to March 2025.
Despite setbacks, HAL is confident of meeting its production targets. The IAF plans to induct a total of 352 Tejas aircraft, including both Mk-1A and the upcoming Mk-2 variants. Full-scale production is projected to reach 30 aircraft annually by 2026–27, with contributions from both public and private industry partners.
The GE-F404-IN20 engine, known for its high thrust-to-weight ratio and reliability, will significantly enhance the Tejas Mk-1A’s combat capabilities, supporting India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
