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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the fifth F404-IN20 jet engine from GE Aerospace, marking another step toward accelerating production of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A for the Indian Air Force.
The delivery is part of HAL’s 2021 order worth USD 716 million for 99 F404-GE-IN20 engines and associated support services. GE handed over the fourth engine in October.
“GE Aerospace has handed over the fifth F404-IN20 engine against the order from 2021. GE Aerospace and HAL continue to work closely to ensure a clear line of sight of production schedules for the F404 engines,” a GE spokesperson said.
GE had earlier committed to completing all 99 engine deliveries by 2029. However, the programme has faced significant delays attributed to global supply chain disruptions, slowing down the pace of Tejas Mk1A production.
Despite the backlog, HAL last month signed a major follow-on contract with GE for 113 additional F404 engines to power future Tejas aircraft. Deliveries under this fresh agreement will commence in 2027 and are slated for completion by 2032.
The Tejas Mk1A is the most advanced variant of India’s indigenous fighter, featuring an AESA radar, an upgraded electronic warfare suite with radar warning and self-protection jamming, a digital map generator, smart multifunction displays, a combined interrogator and transponder (CIT), and an advanced radio altimeter, among other enhancements.
Team BharatShakti
