India's Mass Order of F404-IN20 Engines for Tejas Mk1A Surprised GE, Leaving It Scrambling to Catch Up & Delays

India's unexpected mass order of Tejas Mk1A in 2021 may be the reason behind GE's inability to meet engine delivery timelines. This unexpected demand necessitated the delivery of almost 99 more F404-IN20 engines, a variant specifically designed for the Tejas Mk1 program, leaving GE scrambling to adjust its production capabilities.

GE officials, speaking anonymously, revealed that the company had not anticipated such a large order after the initial procurement of 40 Tejas Mk1 jets. By 2013, India's focus had shifted to the more advanced Tejas Mk2, powered by the F414 engine, further diminishing GE's expectations for additional F404 orders. Consequently, GE scaled back its supply chain for the specialized engine, assuming limited future demand.

The 2021 order for 83 Tejas Mk1A jets, bringing the total to 123, significantly disrupted GE's plans. The company faced a daunting supply chain challenge, needing to ramp up production for an engine it had virtually phased out. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, disrupting global supply chains and forcing GE to identify new partners to restart production.

Adding to the complexity, the F404-IN20 engine is a highly customized variant specific to India. While other countries utilize the F404 engine, their versions differ in thrust output and production arrangements, limiting GE's ability to leverage existing resources to meet India's sudden demand.

With India now planning to procure an additional 97 Tejas Mk1A jets, GE is accelerating its production efforts. The company aims to deliver 20 engines per year starting in 2026, with potential for further increases. This commitment is crucial to support the expanding Tejas Mk1A fleet and ensure its operational readiness.

Despite the challenges, GE remains dedicated to fulfilling India's orders and supporting the Tejas Mk1A program. The F404-IN20 engine will continue to play a vital role in India's light combat aircraft fleet until the Tejas Mk2 enters full production.

 

[R. Singh]

We must make GE-404 engines with 80% TOT along with GE-414 engines ! We can't keep waiting for engines from USA for engine change in future ! Make them in India ! Better make enhanced GE-404 (90KN ) and GE-414 ( 110 kn)

 

[jayanth]

Totally Misleading. GE has a team in India which continuously monitor the requirements. Also, during both Tech/ price negotiation time schedules & payment terms are discussed & inked. Wonder who is playing with words & what it is going to achieve.
Al
So such a scenario where production can't meet our own forces requirements their is discussion on exports
Whom are We trying to fool, ourselves???

 

[VedantaKiran]

If GE can manufacture only 20 F404-IN20 engines per year, it means only 20 Tejas MK1A can be produced per year. What is HAL talking about 32 fighers to be manufactured etc? And GE was negotiating with the Indian government for the sale of the engines. They knew fully well about India's plans.

Now they are using every trick to delay the production. Why not transfer the technology to HAL for an engine which they were not manufacturing for the future? It is best for HAL to have a joint venture and take over the manufacturing of the engines in Inda

 

[asthoughtleader]

Fairytale to justify US delay of engines while arranging the toppling game in Bangladesh

The delay was deliberate

So was the German delay in tank engine supply

 

[Leored]

So they think we assume they don't know. Wow their publicity for Indian audiance is so dumb to think that all lobbying to tech transfer etc done in 1 shot. I think such excuses are good to keep indian audiance mouth shut then find another customer and bag more orders.