GE to Deliver 11 More F404 Engines to HAL in 2025, Ramping Up to 20 Annually for IAF's Tejas Mk1A Production

GE Aerospace has reinforced its commitment to India's indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program by commencing the delivery of F404-IN20 engines, ensuring a steady production cycle for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The first of these engines was formally handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on March 25, 2025, with 11 more slated for delivery by the end of the year.

This move is a critical step in stabilizing the production of the Tejas Mk1A, addressing past delays caused by supply chain disruptions and engine shortages. The F404-IN20, an advanced variant of GE's widely deployed F404 engine family, features a high-flow fan and single-crystal turbine blades to optimize performance for the single-engine Tejas fighter.

With GE now ensuring a delivery rate of 20 engines per year starting from 2026, HAL can maintain its production target of 16 to 24 Tejas Mk1A jets annually. This sustained supply is crucial for the IAF as it phases out aging aircraft like the MiG-21 and strengthens its squadron numbers.

The first engine shipment, dispatched from GE’s Lynn, Massachusetts facility, is expected to arrive in India by mid-April. HAL, which is contractually bound to deliver 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft under a ₹48,000-crore agreement signed in 2021, has already completed airframes for three jets and has 11 more in various stages of production. The arrival of the new engines will allow HAL to replace temporary test engines with full-fledged production powerplants, expediting aircraft induction into the IAF.

This structured delivery plan not only secures the current LCA Mk1A program but also sets the stage for potential future orders. The IAF is evaluating a follow-on purchase of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets, which would require further engine contracts with GE, strengthening India’s long-term fighter jet production capabilities.

With a four-decade partnership between GE and HAL, this latest development marks a significant step in ensuring India’s self-reliance in military aviation while reinforcing GE’s role as a key defense partner.