American aerospace giant GE Aerospace delivered the first 99 F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A program. This long-awaited delivery, which came after a two-year contractual delay, is expected to accelerate the production of the Tejas Mk1A, a critical asset for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The F404-IN20 engine powers the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, and the delay in its supply had raised concerns within the IAF, which is grappling with a declining squadron strength. GE Aerospace described the delivery as a key milestone in its four-decade-long partnership with HAL and reiterated its commitment to strengthening India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
“We were excited to deliver the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to our valued customer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A fight jet. It is an important milestone in our 40-year relationship with HAL and in our efforts to ensure a strong future for India’s military by developing next-generation fighters while enhancing the country’s defence manufacturing capabilities,” GE Aerospace stated.
Under the 2021 contract worth ₹5,900 crore, GE Aerospace is set to deliver 12 engines in 2025, followed by 20 engines annually until the contract is fulfilled. This supply chain boost is expected to help the IAF operationalize its first Tejas Mk1A squadrons by the end of this year.
GE Aerospace has a strong history of military jet propulsion collaboration in India. After collaborating with the Aeronautical Development Agency in the 1980s, GE Aerospace’s F404-IN20 engine was selected for the single-engine Tejas in 2004, the statement added.
The timely arrival of these engines is critical as the IAF faces a dwindling squadron strength—currently at 31 squadrons against the sanctioned 42—with the gradual phase-out of ageing MiG-21 Bison jets. The Tejas Mk1A, equipped with advanced avionics and superior combat capabilities, is expected to fill this gap and strengthen India’s indigenous fighter fleet.
Team BharatShakti
