GE Commits to Delivering 24-26 F-404 Engines Annually by 2026 for Tejas Mk1A Production, Working to Overcome Supply Chain Challenges

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has confirmed its close collaboration with General Electric (GE) to address supply chain challenges impacting the delivery of GE's F-404 engines, a crucial component of India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A program.

Despite these hurdles, HAL remains confident in meeting its production targets, with GE committed to delivering 24-26 engines annually starting in 2026.

The F-404 engine has faced delays due to global supply chain disruptions, impacting the Tejas Mk1A program's timeline. However, GE has assured HAL that engine deliveries will stabilize at 24-26 units per year from 2025-26 onwards. This increased output will enable HAL to ramp up production to its peak capacity of 24 Tejas Mk1A units annually, fulfilling the Indian Air Force's (IAF) order for 83 jets and potentially an additional 97 units.

HAL officials have emphasized their focus on overcoming these logistical challenges and expressed confidence in meeting production targets with GE's commitment to increased engine deliveries. By 2026, HAL expects to resolve the backlog and fulfill the Tejas program's original timelines.

In addition to meeting domestic demand, HAL remains committed to expanding the Tejas Mk1A's presence in the international market. The aircraft's capabilities and competitive cost make it an attractive option for countries seeking a versatile light combat aircraft. HAL is actively engaged in discussions with potential international clients, and the current F-404 supply chain issues are not expected to hinder future export orders.

HAL is optimistic that any export agreements secured in 2025 or 2026 will be fulfilled smoothly, supported by the anticipated stabilization of engine deliveries by 2026. This commitment to both domestic and international markets underscores HAL's ambition to establish the Tejas Mk1A as a leading light combat aircraft in the global aerospace industry.

 

[sanket]

GE Engine Missed November 2024 fourth deadline, Engine mfg is delayed by Global supply chain disruption so HAL should req for component which are part of global supply should b manufactured by pvt players from Bharat & quickly supplied to GE who is OEM There was news about some companies which are part of Golbal supply chain from south korea are facing some financial problem

 

[vinod nair]

Agreed but what about mk2 how they cater to both production simultaneously and additionally amca, tedbf and su series

 

[Anant]

I mean, they have got one thing right: Export prospects are unaffected. They were non-existent before, and they are still non-existent. Unless India and Brazil decide to go with that barter agreement or something, those prospects will remain non-existent.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

With multiple timelines missed by GE and no alternate arrangement, how is HAL so confident? After few years even if GE supplies 24 engines per year, would HAL be able to assemble 24 in a year?

 

[sishir]

Let's hope so that GE being a reputed company will keep it's commitment. However still government must order 114 medium heavy aircraft immediately. The delivery of these aircraft from 2026 onwards. With Pakistan internal problem and Bangladesh getting into civil unrest controlled by the mullah. There could be tension on our borders to keep their domestic problem at check. Now all elections over let Mr Modi clear these files immediately.

 

[Sandeep]

Unfortunately we have no choice but to wait until we start receiving the engines. We can’t switch engines right now as that will require a lot of major changes like the air frames, fuselage, equipment, wiring, pipes, technology etc and manufacturing all of those parts and equipment along with testing and certifying all of those changes will take around 5 years at least.

So we should carry on manufacturing the Tejas jets and trainers without any delays and simply install the engines as they arrive. We can also convert 20-40 Tejas MK1 jets into MK1A which is something that won’t take too long to modify either and those can be sent to the frontline straight away rather than covering the south of India.

 

[Avatar]

Agreed but what about mk2 how they cater to both production simultaneously and additionally amca, tedbf and su series

Those aircraft require the GE 414 engine. HAL has already received a couple of these to commence design work. By the time the aircraft design and airframe are ready, HAL will be manufacturing these engines locally. The supply issue is with the GE-404I engines. A lot has to do with the titanium alloy contract signed with a Chinese company.

 

[Muthu.Kumar]

India enjoys its ride on GE's shoulders, even when GE abruptly shook and flicked it down again and again.

Why doesn't the GTRE have the aggression to get Kaveri up and running ? Is it THAT handicapped intellectually ?

 

[ajaysdate]

GE has taken India for a royal ride. India doesn't have option. Heads must roll at HAL and MoD for not thinking of Option B while deciding on single vendor supply risk.
In 2026, we will see some other excuses.