HAL Expects to Receive 12 F404 Engines This Year, 20 Annually After That, Enabling The Rapid Deployment of Tejas Mk1A Fighter Squadrons

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to receive a significant boost in its production of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, with the delivery of 12 F404 engines from General Electric (GE) Aerospace expected this year.

This will allow for a faster rollout of the aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). GE Aerospace confirmed that the first of these engines, crucial for powering the Tejas Mk1A, is scheduled to arrive in India by the end of March 2025, marking the start of an accelerated delivery plan.

The initial shipment of 12 engines in 2025 will be followed by an increased annual delivery of 20 engines starting in 2026. This revised schedule, moved from an earlier 2023 date due to reported supply chain issues, is key to enabling the IAF to stand up its first Tejas Mk1A squadrons by the end of 2025.

The delivery of 12 engines by December will allow HAL to finalize at least eight Tejas Mk1A aircraft – a mix of six fighter jets and two trainer aircraft. This will pave the way for the IAF to operationalize its first squadron, which typically consists of 18 aircraft (16 fighters and two trainers).

This is a crucial step for the IAF, which is working to replace its aging MiG-21 Bison fleet and address a shortfall in its overall squadron numbers, currently at 31 against a sanctioned strength of 42.

From 2026 onwards, the steady supply of 20 F404 engines annually from GE will significantly speed up the production of the Tejas Mk1A. This delivery rate is sufficient to support the production of a number of fighters close to the number of aircrafts required for raising one squadron annually, plus partially raising another, as each squadron contains 16 single-seat fighters and two dual-seat trainers.

HAL has also increased its manufacturing capabilities, with new production lines in Bengaluru and Nashik, boosting its annual production capacity to 24 aircraft. This enhanced production aligns with the 2021 contract for 83 Tejas Mk1A jets, valued at approximately ₹48,000 crore (about $5.7 billion USD), and the preliminary approval for an additional 97 aircraft.

The accelerated engine deliveries and subsequent aircraft production have far-reaching consequences for the IAF's modernization plans. The Tejas Mk1A represents a significant upgrade over the earlier Mk1 version, featuring advanced radar, electronic warfare capabilities, and improved maintainability.

The ability to induct a new squadron by late 2025, and potentially two squadrons annually thereafter, will enable the IAF to retire older aircraft and maintain a more modern and capable fleet to address evolving security challenges in the region.

HAL anticipates completing the delivery of all 180 ordered Mk1A jets by 2032-33, potentially restoring the IAF's full squadron strength, especially if combined with other planned acquisitions, such as those under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program.

 

[Mc Addy]

the critical component that undergo maximum wear n tear must be either made under TOT or purchased in surplus so in event of any embargo,the show can go on .

 

[De_SECULARISED]

Only 12 for entire 2025? What about the backlogs.

 

[Akshat]

Only 12 for entire 2025? What about the backlogs.

Let HAL first deliver 12 planes in a single year, then we can think of the backlog buddy.

 

[beencensured]

Let HAL first deliver 12 planes in a single year, then we can think of the backlog buddy.

Let them deliver something first before expecting anything. Only hope in today's age of war and supply chains issue is Kaveri.

 

[R. Singh]

Why not we power Tejas-1A with made in India GE-414 engine ? ADA should work with HAL to re design fuselage to fit GE-414 engine in Tejas-1A !

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Great News. Start of 60 squadrons by 2047.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Since IAF is planning to order 97 more F404. Give additional orders to GE, considering engines replacements in future. Ask them to supply 36 engines per year after 2-3 years from now.

 

[Skyfall]

Let them deliver something first before expecting anything. Only hope in today's age of war and supply chains issue is Kaveri.

Kaveri is a dead project, funding has been stopped difficult to revive.

 

[Hari Sud]

The truth of the matter is that DRDO took too long to order the 404 engine (7 years). In the mean time the assembly line of this engine closed. Restarting the line took that much time. Hence you can blame GE but DRDO lethargy to be equally blamed.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

Meanwhile, can we coat the plane with stealth paint, and the missiles too, and see if RCS reduces to that of a golf ball?

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

Since IAF is planning to order 97 more F404. Give additional orders to GE, considering engines replacements in future. Ask them to supply 36 engines per year after 2-3 years from now.

We need to (rather, have to) order more than 97 engines to keep reserves and all...

Earlier, we ordered:
48 engines for 40 aircraft (in 2 batches).
99 engines for 83 aircraft.

With the same rate, we might be needing ~115 engines. So, yes, we need to place an order fast.

And given their commitment to deliver 20 engines per year "steadily", HAL might rather be in a safe position. If they are not given >24 engines, how can they deliver 24 jets from 3 plants? Let's see what happens with the first engine... (and subsequently, the rest of the 11 in 2025).

 

[Sandeep]

Meanwhile, can we coat the plane with stealth paint, and the missiles too, and see if RCS reduces to that of a golf ball?

With jets you can use stealth paint to reduce the RCS but missiles are more difficult as the fast speed they fly can remove the paint or you can detect its infrared from the missile engine.

 

[Sandeep]

It’s great that more engines will get manufactured and we will receive a steady supply. The only issue is that after this engine completes its lifespan then they will have to buy the same variant or use the next higher thrust F414 engine.

If they will stick with the F404 engine then they should make a deal and manufacture it indigenously under license as we will need hundreds of engines over the next 40 years. If not then we are going to manufacture the F414 engine indigenously anyway and that will help us.

 

[dunla52]

Only 12 for entire 2025? What about the backlogs.

Just spend time on drawing preety picture HAL has been doing this for 40+ yrs fooling us

 

[P.K Senapati]

12 engines for 2025 and 20 engines per year from 2026. It is good. Now let us have a 110kN engine co-development with GE for AMCA.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

We need to (rather, have to) order more than 97 engines to keep reserves and all...

Earlier, we ordered:
48 engines for 40 aircraft (in 2 batches).
99 engines for 83 aircraft.

With the same rate, we might be needing ~115 engines. So, yes, we need to place an order fast.

And given their commitment to deliver 20 engines per year "steadily", HAL might rather be in a safe position. If they are not given >24 engines, how can they deliver 24 jets from 3 plants? Let's see what happens with the first engine... (and subsequently, the rest of the 11 in 2025).

Engines need to be replaced after certain no of flight hours. we need to keep spares for that. IN F-404 line may again stop after our orders get completed. We should keep many more spare engines.

 

[Akshat]

Kaveri is a dead project, funding has been stopped difficult to revive.

Funding was never stopped for Kaveri. There are official documents to prove that. Problem is that despite a practical blank check, GTRE simply had no idea what to do with that money. There are (official) reports where GTRE had money left in the bank, approval from MoD yet no money was used and no progress made for years on end.