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In a candid and revealing assessment of India’s indigenous fighter programme, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director D.K. Sunil has ruled out any contingency plan regarding the engine choice for the Tejas Mk1A.
Speaking in an interview with NDTV Profit, Mr Sunil made it clear that the programme is inextricably linked to the General Electric (GE) F404-IN20 engine, with no technical room for a "Plan B."
No Room for Engine Swaps
When pressed on whether HAL had a fallback option should GE Aerospace fail to meet its delivery commitments, the CMD’s response was stark and grounded in engineering reality: "Unfortunately, there is no backup."Mr Sunil explained that modern fighter aircraft are not modular in a way that allows for simple engine swapping.
"The engine is decided first, then the aircraft is designed around it," he stated.
The Tejas Mk1A airframe has been meticulously engineered to match the specific dimensions, thrust profile, air intake requirements, and weight distribution of the GE F404.
Transitioning to a different powerplant—such as a European or Russian alternative—would not be a simple retrofit.
It would necessitate a comprehensive redesign of the airframe, including modifications to the fuel systems and flight control laws.
Such a move would trigger a fresh cycle of wind-tunnel testing and certification, potentially setting the programme back by years—a delay the Indian Air Force (IAF), currently grappling with depleting squadron numbers, cannot afford.
Confidence in Revised Schedules
Despite the admission regarding the lack of alternatives, the HAL Chief expressed robust confidence that the bottleneck is clearing.Following a visit to GE’s facilities, where he observed the manufacturing challenges firsthand, Mr Sunil reported that the US-based aerospace giant has made significant investments to rectify supply chain issues.
"I am confident in the new line and GE’s investment," he remarked. "The project delivery will be met."
The delay in engine deliveries, attributed to global supply chain disruptions affecting GE’s sub-vendors, had previously stalled the handover of the advanced Mk1A jets.
However, recent developments indicate a positive shift. Reports suggest that engine deliveries have resumed, with HAL receiving a fresh batch of F404 engines in early 2026.
Current Production Status
According to open-source defence data, the manufacturing lines at HAL have continued to operate despite the engine shortage. The CMD confirmed that while the engines were the critical missing link, the production of the airframes did not stop.- Ready for Delivery: HAL has stated that five Tejas Mk1A aircraft are currently "fully ready" for delivery to the IAF.
- Built and Waiting: An additional nine aircraft have been built and have completed flight sorties. These units are currently grounded solely due to the pending installation of engines.
Strategic Implications
The reliance on a single foreign source for engines highlights a critical vulnerability in India’s defence architecture, often debated by analysts.However, for the immediate future of the Tejas Mk1A, the path is set. The F404-IN20, known for its reliability and higher thrust compared to older variants, remains the only viable heart for the Tejas.
HAL’s focus now shifts entirely to integrating the incoming engines and accelerating the delivery timeline to bridge the gap in the IAF’s combat capabilities.
