GE Delivered 10 F414 Engines to HAL For Tejas Mk2 Prototype

General Electric has completed the delivery of ten F414-GE-INS6 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited , marking a significant step forward in the development of India’s Tejas Mk2 fighter aircraft program. These engines will power the upcoming series of Tejas Mk2 prototypes, with the first prototype now nearing the final stages of manufacturing at HAL’s Aircraft Research and Design Centre in Bengaluru.

Progress in Tejas Mk2 Prototype Manufacturing

The assembly of the first Tejas Mk2 prototype has entered an advanced phase. Major structural sections, including the fuselage, wings, and vertical tail, have been integrated, and systems installation is currently underway. HAL engineers are focusing on integrating flight control systems, avionics wiring, and hydraulic components before the aircraft moves into the ground testing phase.

According to sources within HAL, the first prototype rollout is expected to take place in early 2026, slightly delayed from the earlier target of late 2025 due to design refinements and tooling optimization. Once rolled out, the aircraft will undergo extensive ground tests — including engine runs, vibration checks, and taxi trials — before taking to the skies.

Expected Flight and Prototype Sequence

The maiden flight of the Tejas Mk2 is planned for the second half of 2026, following a few months of ground and systems validation. HAL aims to ensure that the first prototype meets all safety and performance parameters before initiating flight trials.

Work on the second prototype is already in progress at the ARDC facility. This airframe will incorporate lessons from the first prototype’s ground testing phase and is expected to be rolled out within six to eight months after the first prototype’s debut. The second aircraft will focus on flight envelope expansion and weapons integration testing.

Engine Deliveries and Agreement

The F414-GE-INS6 engine, developed by General Electric for India, delivers 98 kN of thrust, providing a substantial performance increase over the F404 engine used in the Tejas Mk1. The ten engines already supplied will cover the initial prototypes and early testing phases.

In July 2025, GE Aerospace and HAL signed a Manufacturing License Agreement (MLA) for the co-production of GE F414 engines in India, specifically for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Tejas Mk2 fighter jet program. The agreement includes substantial technology transfer (ToT), with a goal of achieving over 80% transfer of critical technologies, marking one of the most comprehensive defense manufacturing collaborations between India and the United States.

This agreement, which follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2023, represents a major milestone in India’s defense indigenization initiative. The deal not only strengthens the Tejas Mk2 program but also positions India to build advanced fighter jet engines domestically, enhancing long-term self-reliance in aerospace propulsion.