Growing F-404 Engine Backlog Threatens India's Tejas Program Amid Supply Chain Woes

India's ambitious Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program is grappling with a critical hurdle: a mounting backlog of F-404 engines, manufactured by General Electric (GE). Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the principal manufacturer of Tejas, has confirmed that the backlog has already reached 26 engines and is expected to rise to 30 by mid-2025. The delay poses serious challenges to the production timelines of the Tejas Mk1A, a key component of the Indian Air Force's modernization drive.

Current Challenges and Future Projections

Supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by global shortages in raw materials and precision components, have been at the root of GE's production delays. According to HAL, while GE plans to deliver two engines by March 2025, its current manufacturing rate is far from sufficient to meet growing demand.

• Production Rate: GE aims to gradually increase output to 8 engines per year by 2025, scaling to 12 by 2026, and 20 by the end of 2026. However, this incremental approach will not address the immediate backlog.
• Demand Surge: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has expressed its intent to procure 97 additional Tejas Mk1A units, which would necessitate at least 110 engines, including reserves. To keep pace, HAL is pushing GE to achieve a production rate of 30 engines per year by 2027.

Implications for the Tejas Program

The engine backlog presents a multifaceted challenge:

1. Production Delays: The Tejas Mk1A production timeline, already ambitious, is now under threat. Delays could disrupt the IAF's plans to induct the jets within the next few years.
2. Operational Readiness: The lack of engines could limit the number of operational aircraft, undermining the IAF’s combat readiness.
3. Strategic Concerns: With an increasing need for indigenization in defense manufacturing, the reliance on imported engines underscores vulnerabilities in India’s defense supply chain.

HAL's Mitigation Efforts

HAL is actively negotiating with GE to ramp up production. The company has also emphasized the importance of timely deliveries in recent discussions with the U.S. manufacturer. HAL is exploring the possibility of diversifying its engine procurement strategy while pushing for domestic production of critical engine components to reduce reliance on imports.

The Road Ahead

While GE's plans to expand production capacity offer a glimmer of hope, the timeline remains a pressing concern. The Tejas program, a symbol of India's self-reliance in defense, now finds itself at a crossroads, reliant on global supply chains to sustain momentum. Unless the production bottlenecks are resolved swiftly, the delays could have far-reaching consequences for both the IAF and India’s aerospace ambitions.

Addressing this issue will require a concerted effort from both HAL and GE to ensure the timely delivery of engines and, by extension, the successful execution of the Tejas program.