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GE Aerospace has initiated a significant step in supporting India's indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme by beginning deliveries of the F404-IN20 engines.
The first engine was formally handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on March 25, 2025. Underscoring its commitment, the US-based company plans to supply an additional 11 engines by the close of 2025.
This steady supply aims to ensure uninterrupted production of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets at HAL, marking a positive shift after previous delays. The move also reinforces the four-decade-long collaboration between GE and HAL.
The F404-IN20 engine is a variant of GE's widely used F404 family, specifically adapted for the single-engine configuration of the Tejas Mk1A. It incorporates enhancements like a higher-flow fan and advanced single-crystal turbine blades to deliver increased thrust and performance.
The first engine, dispatched from GE's facility in Lynn, Massachusetts, earlier this week, is anticipated to reach India by mid-April. This delivery addresses production concerns for HAL, which is contracted to supply 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) under a major ₹48,000-crore deal signed in February 2021.
Past challenges, including supply chain issues at GE and a production pause between 2016 and 2021, had previously impacted the programme's timeline.
In an official announcement on March 26, GE Aerospace detailed its accelerated delivery schedule. Following the initial engine, 11 more F404-IN20 units are slated for delivery to HAL by December 31, 2025, making a total of 12 engines for the year. This figure aligns with statements from HAL Chairman D.K. Sunil during Aero India 2025, indicating that 12 jets would be prepared by year-end, utilising both the new engines and existing reserve units used for testing.
From 2026 through 2029, GE intends to increase the delivery rate to 20 engines per year. The final seven engines from the current order of 99 are scheduled for delivery in 2030.
This pacing directly supports HAL's manufacturing target of 16 to 24 jets annually, crucial for the IAF's efforts to replace aging aircraft fleets, such as the MiG-21s, and maintain desired squadron strength.
This confirmed engine supply schedule provides significant assurance to HAL. The state-owned aerospace company has already completed the airframes for three LCA Mk1A jets, including LA 5033 which undertook its first flight in March 2024. An additional 11 airframes are currently in advanced stages of production across HAL's facilities in Bengaluru and Nashik.
The consistent arrival of new F404-IN20 engines will allow HAL to replace temporary test engines (Category-B) with the designated production powerplants, facilitating the timely handover of combat-ready aircraft to the IAF.
Furthermore, GE's commitment lays a foundation for potential future requirements, including a prospective follow-on order for 97 more LCA Mk1A jets, which would necessitate additional engine contracts.
