NEW DELHI, June 27, 2026 — India's Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft program has encountered another setback after the sixth GE F404-IN20 engine supplied by GE Aerospace failed mandatory post-delivery acceptance checks at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The issue leaves HAL with only five serviceable engines, further delaying a program already running more than two years behind schedule.
The affected engine arrived in May 2026, and the technical defect was identified during HAL's routine inspection process. HAL has informed GE Aerospace and requested immediate corrective action. A technical team from the United States is expected to inspect the engine in India to determine whether it can be repaired locally or requires replacement.
The engines are being supplied under a 2021 contract worth approximately Rs 5,375 crore ($716 million) for 99 F404-IN20 engines to power the first 83 Tejas Mk1A fighters. Continued engine supply delays have slowed aircraft production, with around 30 airframes already built or in advanced stages of assembly but awaiting engines before delivery to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
HAL has invoked the liquidated damages clause against GE Aerospace over delayed deliveries, while the Ministry of Defence has warned HAL that contractual financial penalties may also be imposed for missing delivery schedules. A follow-on contract for 113 additional F404-IN20 engines, signed in late 2025, will support the production of another 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft approved by the government.
The delays come as the IAF seeks to strengthen its fighter fleet, which currently operates 29 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.5 squadrons. The Tejas Mk1A, featuring an upgraded AESA radar, electronic warfare suite, and improved weapon integration, is expected to play a key role in replacing aging combat aircraft and expanding the Air Force's operational capability.
HAL continues work on aircraft assembly, software integration, and resolving remaining technical issues while awaiting additional engine deliveries. A high-level review meeting involving the Ministry of Defence, IAF, and HAL is scheduled for September to assess progress and identify measures to accelerate the Tejas Mk1A program.
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