In a significant boost to India's defense capabilities, GE Aerospace has delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A program. This delivery, which occurred on March 25, 2025, marks the end of a two-year delay that had raised concerns within the Indian Air Force (IAF) regarding its dwindling squadron strength.
The F404-IN20 engine is crucial for powering the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, an upgraded variant of the original Tejas Mk1. The delay in engine supply had hindered the production timeline for 83 Tejas Mk1A jets, which are vital for the IAF as it seeks to phase out older aircraft like the MiG-21 Bison. The IAF currently operates only 31 squadrons against the sanctioned 42, a situation that has been a point of concern for Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
Shawn Warren, General Manager of Combat & Trainer Engines at GE Aerospace, expressed excitement about the delivery, stating, "It is an important milestone in our 40-year relationship with HAL and in our efforts to ensure a strong future for India's military by developing next-generation fighters while enhancing the country's defense manufacturing capabilities." GE Aerospace has a long history of collaboration with HAL, dating back to the 1980s when it partnered with the Aeronautical Development Agency.
The delivery of the F404-IN20 engines is part of a ₹5,900 crore ($716 million) contract signed in 2021, under which GE Aerospace will provide 12 engines in 2025, followed by 20 engines annually until the contract is fulfilled. The first engine is currently undergoing final checks at GE's facility in Lynn, Massachusetts, and is expected to arrive in India in April 2025.
HAL has restructured its production line at its Bengaluru facility to facilitate the accelerated assembly of Tejas jets, aiming to deliver at least 16 Tejas Mk1A fighters annually. This restructuring is crucial to meet the IAF's contract for 83 jets by 2028. An HAL official noted, "Despite the delay in engine delivery, we have optimized our assembly process to ensure swift deliveries. The arrival of the F-404 engines will allow us to ramp up production significantly."
The Tejas Mk1A is equipped with advanced avionics, improved radar, and enhanced weapon capabilities, making it a key asset for the IAF. The aircraft is designed for air combat and offensive missions, capable of reconnaissance and anti-ship operations. It achieved a speed of Mach 1.1 during its first test flight in 2008, demonstrating its potential as a formidable fighter.
The delays in engine supply have been a recurring issue, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising concerns during his recent visit to the United States. The IAF's chief, ACM Singh, has consistently highlighted the urgent need for new aircraft to bolster the air force's capabilities.
Following the initial order for 83 Tejas Mk1A jets, the Indian defense ministry granted approval for an additional 97 units in November 2023, further emphasizing the importance of the Tejas program in enhancing India's indigenous fighter fleet. GE Aerospace has previously delivered 65 F404 engines for the Tejas Mk1 program, and the successful delivery of the first F404-IN20 engine is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between GE and HAL.
As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the timely delivery of these engines is critical for the IAF, which aims to strengthen its fleet and maintain operational readiness. The Tejas Mk1A is expected to play a pivotal role in this strategy, filling the gap left by retiring older aircraft.
In summary, GE Aerospace's delivery of the F404-IN20 engines marks a crucial step forward for India's defense manufacturing capabilities and the IAF's operational readiness. The collaboration between GE and HAL not only highlights the importance of indigenous production but also underscores the strategic necessity of modernizing India's air combat capabilities.
