Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) sources have confirmed a growing backlog of F-404 engines crucial for India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program.
The backlog, attributed to ongoing supply chain challenges faced by engine manufacturer General Electric (GE), has reached 26 units and is projected to climb to 30 by mid-2025.
Despite plans to deliver the first lot of two engines in March 2025, GE's production ramp-up is not expected to significantly alleviate the backlog in the near future.
GE aims to gradually increase production to 8 engines per year, then to 12, with a target of 20 units by the end of 2026. However, even with these planned increases, the backlog is anticipated to grow, highlighting the severity of the supply chain issues.
Adding to the complexity, the Indian Air Force (IAF) intends to order an additional 97 Tejas Mk1A units. This would require GE Aviation to prepare for an influx of 110 more engines, including reserve units. This surge in demand has prompted HAL to urge GE to further accelerate its production rate, aiming for 30 units per year by 2027.
The engine backlog poses a significant challenge to the Tejas program, potentially impacting production timelines and the IAF's modernization plans. HAL's efforts to negotiate higher production rates with GE underscore the urgency of addressing this issue to ensure the timely delivery of these critical fighter jets.
