GE Aerospace delivers three more F404 engines to HAL for Tejas Mk1A

US aerospace major GE Aerospace delivered three F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in August for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A programme, marking an acceleration in supplies of the critical powerplants. The latest deliveries are significant for the Tejas Mk1A programme, which has faced delays partly because of slower-than-expected supplies of the GE engines. The F404-IN20 powers the single-engine indigenous fighter being manufactured by HAL for the Indian Air Force (IAF). GE Aerospace had restarted production of the F404-IN20 after HAL placed an order for 99 engines in 2021. The production line had remained shut for about five years after an earlier batch of engines for the Tejas programme was completed.

Supplies gather pace

The first engine under the 99-engine order was delivered to HAL in March 2025. Supplies subsequently progressed at a slower pace than initially anticipated, affecting HAL's schedule for producing and delivering the Mk1A fighters. The delivery of three engines during August indicates that GE Aerospace is now stepping up the supply rate as HAL works to move ahead with aircraft deliveries.

GE has previously said that restarting the F404-IN20 production line required rebuilding a global supply chain after the facility had remained dormant for several years. The company has been working with suppliers to address bottlenecks and increase production. The F404-IN20 is a customised version of GE's F404 engine developed for India's Tejas fighter. It incorporates a higher-flow fan, advanced turbine technology and other components tailored to the aircraft's requirements.

Tejas induction crucial

The pace of Tejas Mk1A deliveries remains important for the IAF as it seeks to strengthen its fighter fleet amid concerns over declining squadron strength. HAL has already manufactured and flown several Mk1A aircraft, while additional jets are at different stages of production. Availability of engines remains a key factor in converting the manufactured aircraft into fighters ready for delivery to the IAF. HAL had earlier said that its future delivery plans were aligned with the improving engine supply outlook and that it was working with the IAF to hand over the aircraft at the earliest. The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of the LCA Tejas and incorporates improvements in avionics, electronic warfare capabilities, maintainability and operational systems.