HAL to Use Reserved F404 Engines for Initial Tejas Mk-1A Batch Amid GE Delivery Delays

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) much-anticipated induction of the Tejas Mk-1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is facing a new hurdle due to delays in engine deliveries from General Electric (GE). Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas jets, is now considering the use of reserved engines as a temporary measure, potentially affecting the planned delivery timeline.

The Defence Ministry had signed a ₹48,000 crore deal in February 2021 for 83 LCA-Mk1A fighters, followed by a $716 million contract with GE Aviation in August 2021 for 99 F404-IN20 engines. However, none of these engines have been delivered yet. According to a defence official, “Not a single engine has been received so far. They are now expected to be delivered from September onwards.” As a stopgap, HAL and the IAF have devised a plan to equip the initial batch of LCA-Mk1A jets with used engines, labeled as Category-2, until the new F404 engines arrive.

This delay is a significant concern, given the critical role the LCA-Mk1A plays in the IAF’s fleet rejuvenation plans. The LCA is seen as vital for stabilizing the declining fighter squadron strength and ultimately expanding it. The original delivery schedule called for three LCA-Mk1A jets by February 2024, with 16 aircraft to be delivered annually over the following five years.

While the manufacturing of the aircraft continues smoothly at HAL, the engine delay remains the primary bottleneck. Despite the setbacks, officials are optimistic that deliveries can begin soon after the engines start arriving. HAL hopes to deliver at least one LCA-Mk1A by the end of 2024, with eight to nine jets expected by the end of the fiscal year.

The situation highlights ongoing challenges in global supply chains. GE Aerospace acknowledged the "unprecedented supply chain pressures" affecting the industry and assured that they are working closely with HAL and other suppliers to resolve the constraints. These pressures have delayed the timely delivery of the F404 engines, essential for the LCA-Mk1A’s performance.

The Tejas Mk-1A is equipped with the F404-IN20 engine, which is a more advanced variant of the F404 series. The engine offers 85 kN of thrust with afterburner and is designed for optimal reliability and efficiency, making it ideal for single-engine fighter aircraft like the Tejas. Its sophisticated Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) ensures precise control and adaptability in varied flight conditions.

The delay in engine deliveries has also affected the timeline for the broader Tejas program. Alongside the 83 Mk1A jets, the IAF has received preliminary approval to procure an additional 97 Mk1A aircraft, taking the total order to 180 jets. The LCA Mk-1 variant is expected to complement the newer Mk1A models, with around 220 Mk1 jets envisioned as part of the fleet.

Meanwhile, HAL and the IAF are looking ahead to the development of the more advanced LCA-Mk2, powered by the GE F-414 engine. The F-414 engine offers increased thrust and better performance, making it suitable for the Mk2 variant, which will have expanded capabilities, including enhanced avionics and weapons integration. A deal for manufacturing the F-414 engines in India is nearing finalization, paving the way for the production of around 120 LCA-Mk2 aircraft.

The ongoing delays have added pressure on HAL and GE, as the timely delivery of the LCA-Mk1A is crucial to the IAF’s modernization efforts. While the use of reserved engines may enable some early deliveries, the long-term success of the program depends heavily on resolving these supply chain issues and maintaining a steady flow of engines for the Tejas fleet.