HAL Gets 2nd F-404 Engine Delivery for Tejas Mk1A, 3rd Engine Expected by Month End

HAL Gets 2nd F-404 Engine Delivery for Tejas Mk1A, 3rd Engine Expected by Month End


India's indigenous fighter jet program achieved a new milestone this week with the arrival of the second F-404 engine from the United States.

The engine was delivered on Monday to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned enterprise responsible for manufacturing the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A.

A third engine is reportedly expected to be delivered by the end of this month, further accelerating the production timeline.

This delivery is part of a larger schedule that will see a total of 12 F-404 engines supplied by GE Aerospace by the end of the current financial year in March 2026.

These powerplants are renowned for their reliability and performance, providing the necessary thrust for the advanced capabilities of the Tejas Mk1A. A consistent supply of these critical components is essential for HAL to meet its production targets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The IAF has a firm order for 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, a deal signed in 2021 to bolster its squadron strength with a modern, domestically produced fighter. A proposal to procure an additional 97 of these jets has already received clearance from the Ministry of Defence and is in the final stages of approval.

This large-scale induction underscores the nation's strategy to enhance its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

The LCA Tejas Mk1A is a substantially upgraded version of the original Tejas fighter.

It features advanced improvements, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for superior target detection, a sophisticated electronic warfare suite for enhanced survivability, and the capability to integrate a wider range of advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry.

These enhancements make the Mk1A a versatile and formidable platform, central to India's future air combat strategy and national security.
 

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