New Delhi: HAL GE F404 engines deal for Tejas Mk1A programme is expected to receive a major boost in the coming months. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is likely to receive 12 additional GE F404-IN20 engines between October and December 2026, helping speed up the production and delivery of the Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
According to statements made by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at the NDTV Defence Summit 2026, engine deliveries from GE Aerospace are expected to increase significantly during the final quarter of the year. This development could help resolve one of the biggest challenges faced by the Tejas Mk1A programme.
Details of HAL GE F404 Engines Deal
GE Aerospace manufactures the F404-IN20 engine that powers the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet.
Read also: Why HAL Has 27 Tejas Mk1A Fighters Ready But Only 10 Will Be Delivered First By March 2027
The company has already supplied 10 engines to HAL, including three engines delivered recently in August. Officials now expect four engines per month to arrive from October through December. If the delivery schedule remains on track, HAL will receive 12 more engines before the end of the year, bringing the total number of engines supplied to 22.
Why Engine Deliveries Matter
Engine shortages have been one of the main reasons behind delays in the Tejas Mk1A programme. HAL has already built several aircraft structures, but many of them are waiting for engines before they can move to final assembly, testing, and certification. Without engines, completed airframes cannot undergo ground trials, flight testing, or final delivery to the Indian Air Force.
HAL GE F404 Engines Deal: Tejas Mk1A Production Expected To Accelerate
The arrival of additional engines is expected to improve production speed at HAL’s facilities. Reports indicate that around 27 to 30 Tejas Mk1A airframes have already been manufactured or are in advanced stages of production.
Many of these aircraft are currently waiting for engine integration before they can move forward in the production cycle. With a steady flow of engines, HAL can begin installing powerplants, conducting system checks, and preparing aircraft for delivery.
Tejas Mk1A: A Key Fighter For The Indian Air Force
The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). It features advanced avionics, improved radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and enhanced operational performance compared to earlier variants. The aircraft is expected to play a major role in strengthening the combat capability of the Indian Air Force.
India has placed a large order for Tejas Mk1A fighters to replace ageing aircraft and improve squadron strength.
HAL Targets Squadron Deliveries By 2027
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that HAL expects to begin delivering a full squadron of Tejas Mk1A aircraft by late 2026 or early 2027. However, successful execution will depend not only on engine deliveries but also on the completion of radar integration, software validation, and other technical processes. Each aircraft must pass extensive testing and certification before entering operational service.
Engine Delivery Alone Does Not Complete An Aircraft
Receiving an engine is only one step in the production process. After installation, the aircraft undergoes system integration, ground testing, engine runs, flight evaluations, and safety checks. Only after completing these stages can the fighter jet be handed over to the Indian Air Force.
This means that while increased engine deliveries are positive, final aircraft deliveries will still require careful testing and validation.
India Expands Tejas Mk1A Fleet Plans
The Indian Government has expanded plans for the Tejas Mk1A programme to strengthen national air power. The total order has reportedly increased to 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, creating a long-term requirement for engine production and support.
This expansion highlights the importance of maintaining a steady supply chain for critical components such as engines.
GE And HAL Strengthen Long-Term Cooperation
Beyond supplying engines, GE Aerospace and India are also working to improve long-term maintenance capabilities. A Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility is being planned to support F404 engines within India.
This facility will help reduce dependence on overseas repair centres and improve engine availability for the Indian Air Force. The initiative is expected to support indigenous defence manufacturing and strengthen India’s aerospace ecosystem.
Read also: From Tejas Mk1A To Rafale: How India Plans To Fix Its Fighter Squadron Deficit
FAQs
The GE F404-IN20 engine powers the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. Without the engine, aircraft cannot complete assembly, testing, or delivery to the Indian Air Force.
HAL is expected to receive 12 additional GE F404-IN20 engines between October and December 2026, with four engines arriving each month.
India has expanded its procurement plans and is expected to operate a fleet of around 180 Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft in the coming years.
