GE to Begin Delivering Two F-404 Engines Per Month to HAL from November, Reviving Tejas Mark-1A Production

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to receive a much-needed boost to its Tejas Mark-1A fighter jet production with the resumption of GE-F404 engine deliveries from General Electric.

Starting in November, GE has committed to delivering at least two engines per month, addressing a delay that has hampered the production schedule of this crucial aircraft.

HAL is currently manufacturing 83 Tejas Mark-1A jets under a ₹46,898 crore contract signed with the Indian Air Force (IAF) in February 2021. These indigenous light combat aircraft are a vital part of India's efforts to modernize its air power. However, the delayed delivery of 99 GE-F404 engines, originally slated to begin in March 2024, created a significant bottleneck in the production process.

This delay, attributed to global supply chain disruptions impacting the aerospace sector, forced HAL to adjust its production timelines. The renewed commitment from GE to deliver two engines monthly is expected to revitalize the program and enable HAL to meet its delivery targets.

The Tejas Mark-1A program is a critical component of the IAF's modernization strategy. These advanced fighter jets are expected to significantly enhance the IAF's operational capabilities. The timely delivery of these aircraft is therefore of paramount importance.

While the resumption of engine deliveries is a positive development, it is worth noting that challenges remain. Maintaining a consistent supply of engines will be essential for HAL to sustain production momentum and avoid further delays. The IAF, meanwhile, eagerly awaits the arrival of these advanced jets to bolster its fleet.

This news comes as the IAF is reportedly considering an additional order of 97 Tejas aircraft, signaling its confidence in the indigenously developed platform. With increased production capacity and a steady supply of engines, HAL aims to meet the growing demand for the Tejas and contribute to India's self-reliance in defense technology.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

India has 12-18 spare engines. GE engine delay is worrisome but not the only reason for Delay. HAL must pull up its socks.

 

[M S Chatterji]

If this news is true then only one word comes to mind and that is "Great".

 

[Sunil]

1. These engines are obsolete.. Why are at buying them
2. What does it say about Americans
3. Why accept an order you can't service
4. Why is it design but versatile enough to accommodate other engines.

 

[Ysmir Rewari]

This comes a day after Predator deal, wonder if these events are connected!

 

[Sudha]

Now some commentators will cry for delay by GE in delivering the engines, a delay of only 8-12 months. But they will be silent on the delays of HAL even if the delay is five years or more. Such irrational comments just shows how biased they are. Am still of the opinion that the delay is more of a geopolitical move by US deep state.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

their should be a press conference every week at the MoD, for giving status updates on major defence procurement efforts. Chairmen from HAL, MDL, L&T, DPSUs etc should go their and give status updates to the nation.

 

[Akshat]

1. These engines are obsolete.. Why are at buying them
2. What does it say about Americans
3. Why accept an order you can't service
4. Why is it design but versatile enough to accommodate other engines.

1. Might be obsolete for US, but they are still really good and we don't have anything even close to it. Most of the world doesn't have anything close to them.
2. Nothing much. They had closed down the line and are now opening it for us. This shows their dedication in fact.
3. HAL does it all the time. In fact, unnamed reports say that GE had already informed about this to HAL while taking the order but HAL didn't inform GoI about this.
4. You can't fit just any engine on a plane. No plane can be designed like that. Tejas, though, was designed for 2 different engines. Kaveri and F404. Kaveri proved to be a flop show, thus leaving F404 as the only option.

 

[AK S]

India has 12-18 spare engines. GE engine delay is worrisome but not the only reason for Delay. HAL must pull up its socks.

Propaganda from GE apologist.

Enlighten please. How did you arrive at the number? In your counting please account for engines used for data collection for fighter design.

Even last two MK 1 trainers are stuck due to lack of GE F404. Mk1A first flight took place with the borrowed IAF reserve engine.

IAF doesn’t want fighters with series B engines. Last time I heard, it’s threatening to shut the production line involving some 500 odd vendors.

 

[AK S]

Now some commentators will cry for delay by GE in delivering the engines, a delay of only 8-12 months. But they will be silent on the delays of HAL even if the delay is five years or more. Such irrational comments just shows how biased they are. Am still of the opinion that the delay is more of a geopolitical move by US deep state.

As far as Mk1A is concerned, HAL has been pretty good. Managed first flight in 3 years flat. And with all the development cost, price of the entire fighter for a external customer is about $43m.

For the folks who doesn’t know (not for you as you are very well informed and here only to build narrative): Dassault took five years and $1.5B, just to implement all of India specific enhancements … that comes to $42m per IAF Rafale and five years just for the modifications.

 

[GMR]

This comes a day after Predator deal, wonder if these events are connected!

It always was brother.. however still "expecting" !!