GE Pledges to Supply 24-26 F-404 Engines Annually by 2026 for Tejas Mk1A Production, Aiming to Address Supply Chain Issues

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and General Electric (GE) are working closely to tackle supply chain challenges that have disrupted the delivery schedule of the F-404 engines, a critical element of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A program. Despite the hurdles, both companies are optimistic about achieving their production targets, with GE committing to delivering 24-26 engines annually starting in 2026.

The F-404 engines power the Tejas Mk1A, which has emerged as a vital project for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and India's indigenous defense manufacturing ecosystem. These engines, known for their robust design and proven reliability, offer a maximum thrust of 18,100 pounds with afterburner, enabling the Tejas Mk1A to perform complex combat and reconnaissance missions. The twin-shaft, low-bypass turbofan design of the F-404 provides a balance of power, durability, and adaptability, which is particularly important for multi-role fighter jets like the Tejas.

Addressing Delays and Scaling Production

Global supply chain disruptions have caused delays in engine deliveries, pushing HAL’s production timelines off schedule. However, GE has assured HAL of stabilizing supply by delivering 24-26 F-404 engines annually from 2025-26. This commitment aligns with HAL’s plan to scale up its Tejas Mk1A production to 24 aircraft per year, ensuring timely delivery of the 83 jets ordered by the IAF.

HAL’s leadership has expressed confidence in overcoming these logistical challenges by collaborating with GE to streamline engine deliveries. By 2026, HAL aims to resolve the backlog caused by earlier delays and adhere to the Tejas Mk1A program’s original timelines.

Supporting Domestic and Export Markets

While fulfilling domestic commitments to the IAF remains a top priority, HAL is also targeting the international market with the Tejas Mk1A. Its advanced avionics, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, mid-air refueling capability, and competitive cost make it a strong contender in the global light combat aircraft segment.

HAL is actively engaged in discussions with multiple countries interested in acquiring the Tejas Mk1A. With GE’s stabilized engine deliveries expected by 2026, HAL is confident that export agreements finalized in the coming years will be fulfilled without delay. The company views this as an opportunity to position the Tejas Mk1A as a globally recognized light combat aircraft, strengthening India’s presence in the international aerospace industry.

Overcoming Challenges for a Promising Future

Despite supply chain disruptions, HAL and GE’s collaborative efforts are setting the stage for long-term success. The stabilization of F-404 engine deliveries not only supports HAL’s peak production capacity but also boosts India’s ambitions of becoming a major player in the global defense market.

As HAL meets domestic and export demands for the Tejas Mk1A, the program’s success highlights the importance of partnerships like the one with GE, which enable the development of indigenous capabilities and enhance India’s defense self-reliance.