HAL and IAF Prepares to Finalize Additional 97 Tejas Mk1A Jet Deal by Year End as GE Promises to Deliver 24 F404 Engines Annually from 2026

India is poised to significantly expand its fleet of indigenous fighter jets, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) preparing to finalize a landmark agreement for an additional 97 LCA Tejas Mk1A aircraft.

Sources indicate that the deal is on track to be signed by the end of 2025, a move bolstered by a commitment from American firm General Electric (GE) to supply the required engines.

A critical component of this expansion is the secured supply of power plants for the aircraft. GE has committed to delivering approximately 24 F404-IN20 engines annually from 2026 onwards.

This steady supply is essential for HAL to maintain its production line and deliver the new jets to the IAF without delay.

The upcoming order for 97 jets will require an estimated 130 engines, a figure that includes spares for maintenance and operational reserves. This follows a previous order for 99 engines placed for an earlier contract of 83 Tejas Mk1A jets signed in 2021, bringing the total Mk1A fleet size to 180 aircraft.

The Tejas Mk1A is an advanced, more lethal variant of the single-engine Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), featuring an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an advanced electronic warfare suite, and superior combat capabilities.

The GE F404 engine is recognized for its reliability and performance, which is central to the Tejas program. These new aircraft are vital for the IAF's modernization plans, as they are slated to replace the ageing squadrons of MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 jets.

Discussions are also underway to establish a domestic maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the F404 engines.

As the initial batch of Tejas Mk1 aircraft, inducted nearly a decade ago, approaches its first major overhaul cycle in the next two to three years, creating local MRO infrastructure has become a priority. The IAF and GE are reportedly in talks to appoint an Indian company for these services.

Establishing a local MRO hub is a strategic objective aligned with the Indian government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

Such a facility would dramatically reduce the turnaround time for engine repairs, lower long-term maintenance costs, and decrease dependence on foreign support, thereby enhancing the operational readiness and self-sufficiency of India’s national defence sector.

 

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[Ayush Rastogi]

India has to ensure continous supply of GE Engines(130+99=229 engines), with same Speed of TejasMK1A (83+97=180 Jets) rolling out with (Astra ER AAM, AESA radar ,Guided Bombs, Fly by wire avoinics and other Tech paramas) to IAF squadrons. IAF needs war emergency for Tejas jets. It has in making since 1998 (27 Years and First prototype in 2001 and first Premliminary versions:2016).

Observations:


For 24 GE F404 Engines per year(229/24) =it would need approx 9 Years more ie 2034 for full delivery. US Democrats Biden Gov stalled the supply of GE F404 Engines for two years.Only once Republican Trump Gov came it forced GE to rework on engine supply .Next elections will happen in 2029 Dec and if US Gov changes , supply chain may get affected.This has to be taken care from the GE.


HAL after making new production line in Nashik, promised to produce 16 Jets min per year to replace Mig21, Jaguars but looks diminished . 83/16 = approx mid 2030 ,first order only of 83 Jets will be completed , keeping no other political hurdle.If Indian NDA Gov changes in May 2029 , again stalling may occur. IAF will retire min 5 Squadrons(5*16=80 Jets) by 2029-2030. Hence there will be not much help.Our Target should be to complete the first order by 2028 ( involve private players here also by 50-50 partnership). 16(HAL) +8 ( Private players like TASL, Relinace Aerospace, Kalyani Systems, Mahidra Limited) can be involved to finish order by max Dec 2028.
IAF can start receiving ordered,3-4 Squadrons of Su57E also.

New order of 97 Tejas Mk1A should be handed to private players or in major collaboration with private players. 97/24(16+8)=approx 4 years ie by 2032-2033 All Tejas MKIA will be completed.
Again IAF may retire last 2 squadrons if needed .

HAL can focus on AMCA(prototype+testing), Kaveri Engine Testing , LCH production , Tejas MK2A or else IAF will keep dreaming of 40 Squadrons Modern strength till 2040 and it won't be able to compete with PAF forget PLAAF.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

Sounds very promising, if the commitment from GE is real and if this becomes a reality of getting 24 engines per year. HAL will have to buckle up for the years to come to stay commited of delivering the order. Till now the cry was no supply from GE, if the supply stabalises then HAL will be under immense pressure for delivering, with projetcs like SUPER 30, Mk2, AMCA and MK1A itself GOI should definitely look for strong private player to take responsibility of Mk2 and AMCA to distribute the pressure evenly.