Global Supply Chain Issues Further Delay GE F-404 Engine Delivery for India's Tejas Mk1A Aircraft, First Two Expected in March 2025

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is facing yet another setback in the delivery schedule for India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. The first two F-404 engines from General Electric (GE) Aviation, crucial for the aircraft's performance, are now expected to arrive in March 2025, highlighting the persistent challenges within the global aerospace supply chain.

These engines were initially slated for delivery much earlier, with the first batch anticipated in March 2024. However, ongoing global supply chain disruptions have repeatedly pushed back the timeline. GE Aerospace has acknowledged these industry-wide pressures and remains committed to resolving the issues in collaboration with HAL and their suppliers.

These delays have not only affected production schedules but have also raised concerns about the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force (IAF), which is eagerly awaiting the Tejas Mk1A to bolster its air combat capabilities. As a critical component of the aircraft, any delay in engine delivery directly impacts the overall production and deployment timeline.

In response to these challenges, HAL has adapted by utilizing Category B (used or reserve) engines for initial production and testing. While not an ideal long-term solution, this approach allows HAL to keep the program moving forward. Despite the setbacks, HAL remains optimistic about meeting its production targets once engine deliveries stabilize.

The delay in engine supply has broader strategic implications. India has invoked penalty clauses against GE for these delays, underscoring the importance of timely delivery in defence procurement. However, recognizing the strategic importance of maintaining a strong partnership with GE for future projects, including the more advanced F-414 engines intended for the Tejas MkII, India has chosen not to enforce financial penalties.

The upcoming delivery of the first two F-404 engines in March 2025 offers a glimmer of hope. GE has committed to a delivery schedule of two engines per month starting in November 2025, with plans to accelerate production further in 2026. This commitment is expected to help HAL ramp up production and meet the IAF's demand for new fighters.

However, the aerospace sector's ongoing supply chain woes remain a concern. Both HAL and GE are working closely to mitigate these risks and ensure the Tejas Mk1A program stays on track according to the revised schedule.

 

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[abhinav srivastava]

We have put all our eggs in GEs basket. Poor planning to depend on one country with history of sanctioning others for arm twisting. TEDBF and AMCA should be designed with non US engines.

 

[Anant]

Alright, this is now starting to get ridiculous. Penalties against GE need to start now. Enough is enough. Supply chain issues are one thing, but if the US wants to do the geopolitical game here, then we need to put up some sign to them in return.

 

[desigandu]

This is a disaster, and MOD, HAL, GOI, and IAF, besides GE and geopolitics are to blame! Really poor planning and horrible execution - and see how exposed we are!

Question is how do we fix this quickly?

 

[INDIAN]

India has taken a such a big risk by depending on American engines for all of the new aircrafts that India is building. Given the Bangladesh regime change.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

This is a disaster, and MOD, HAL, GOI, and IAF, besides GE and geopolitics are to blame! Really poor planning and horrible execution - and see how exposed we are!

Question is how do we fix this quickly?

No quick fix. Deliveries will pick up once Dolandji takes over. Mark my words even after engine Deliveries there will be more delay by HAL. GOI trusts them too much.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

We have put all our eggs in GEs basket. Poor planning to depend on one country with history of sanctioning others for arm twisting. TEDBF and AMCA should be designed with non US engines.

What about MK2? Should we design that from the scratch?

 

[Sudha]

India has taken a such a big risk by depending on American engines for all of the new aircrafts that India is building. Given the Bangladesh regime change.

Nope. It is HAL wrong decision for going in for an aero engine the production of which had stopped. Also agree about not going for US military equipment & parts. US is highly unreliable due to it's geopolitical goals.

 

[Sudha]

No quick fix. Deliveries will pick up once Dolandji takes over. Mark my words even after engine Deliveries there will be more delay by HAL. GOI trusts them too much.

Absolutely right. HAL will invent some other excuse to delay deliveries. It is time to penalise HAL for delays.

 

[Sudha]

Alright, this is now starting to get ridiculous. Penalties against GE need to start now. Enough is enough. Supply chain issues are one thing, but if the US wants to do the geopolitical game here, then we need to put up some sign to them in return.

You are correct. But simultaneously we have to put penalties on HAL too for delaying deliveries. Blaming GE only is not right. HAL chose an aero engine the production of which had stopped. It was a wrong decision of HAL.

 

[Ravin1]

GE and the USA want us to buy their other aircraft, while South Korea, a partner country in GE404 engines, is delaying supply as it wants its own aircraft to dominate the market and not Tejas.