HAL’s Tejas Mk1A Programme Gets a Boost with Third GE-404 Engine Delivery
- MGMMTeam
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the third GE-404 F404-IN20 engine from the United States, a development that marks a significant step forward in the production of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, also known as Tejas. According to defence officials, a fourth engine is expected by the end of September 2025, signalling renewed momentum in a programme that has often been hampered by supply chain delays.
The Tejas Mk1A, an upgraded variant of the LCA, represents a crucial element in India’s efforts to modernise its air force with homegrown technology, while also reducing reliance on foreign fighter jets.
The Engine Contract and Delivery Status
In 2021, India signed a $716 million contract with GE Aerospace for the supply of 99 F404-IN20 engines, which would power the 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF). Despite the deal being signed years ago, engine deliveries had been sluggish, with only a handful arriving in India until now.
The arrival of the third engine, and the imminent delivery of a fourth, provides much-needed relief for HAL, which has been under pressure to scale up production. HAL expects a total of 12 engines to be delivered by the end of the current financial year, which would allow assembly lines in Bengaluru and Nashik to accelerate output.
Supply Chain Bottlenecks and Delays
The delays in engine delivery have been attributed to a mix of global and local challenges. Some critical components of the F404-IN20 engines are manufactured in South Korea, and supply issues from these vendors have slowed progress. Moreover, GE Aerospace had previously reduced or suspended production of this engine line, and restarting manufacturing created additional backlogs.
This reliance on imported propulsion systems continues to expose India’s vulnerability in its aerospace sector. While much of the Tejas airframe is manufactured domestically, the lack of an indigenous engine option has forced dependence on foreign suppliers, making the entire programme vulnerable to external disruptions.
Expanding Production Capacity
Despite these challenges, HAL has been working steadily to strengthen its production ecosystem. Several private Indian companies, including Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen & Toubro, and VEM Technologies, have been contracted to supply critical airframe components such as fuselage assemblies, wings, and air intake modules. This collaborative manufacturing effort is designed to meet the IAF’s growing requirements and reduce the production burden on HAL’s Bengaluru plant.
Additional assembly lines have also been developed in Nashik to complement Bengaluru’s capacity. The long-term goal is to scale production to 30 aircraft per year by FY 2026-27, ensuring timely delivery of both the initial 83 ordered jets and the recently approved order for an additional 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters.
Strategic Importance for the Indian Air Force
The Tejas Mk1A programme holds enormous strategic value for the IAF. As older MiG-21 squadrons are phased out, the IAF urgently needs modern replacements to maintain its combat readiness. The Mk1A variant offers advanced avionics, radar, electronic warfare systems, and mid-air refuelling capability, making it a formidable addition to India’s frontline fighter fleet.
Timely induction of the Tejas is not just about numbers but also about confidence in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. The success of this programme would mark a turning point in the country’s drive toward Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defence production.
The MGMM Outlook
HAL’s Tejas Mk1A programme has gained vital momentum with the delivery of the third GE-404 engine from the United States, a development that directly strengthens India’s indigenous fighter jet ambitions. The Tejas Mk1A stands as a symbol of self-reliance, combining advanced avionics, radar, and electronic warfare capabilities while gradually replacing ageing MiG-21 squadrons in the Indian Air Force. With the fourth engine expected soon and 12 in total projected this financial year, HAL’s Bengaluru and Nashik assembly lines are set to accelerate production. The collaboration with private Indian companies like Tata Advanced Systems and L&T further showcases how domestic industry is rising to meet the nation’s defence needs.
At the same time, this milestone highlights the persistent challenge of dependency on foreign propulsion systems. While India has succeeded in manufacturing most of the Tejas airframe domestically, delays in imported engine components continue to expose vulnerabilities in supply chains. Yet, the steady progress and new production capacity reflect a growing confidence in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. The Tejas Mk1A is no longer just a project—it is fast becoming a defining moment for India’s defence sector, proving that the dream of building a self-sustained fighter jet fleet is turning into reality.
(Sources: IndiaTV News, Economic Times, Times of India)
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