New Delhi: HAL GE F404 engines are expected to play a key role in speeding up the delivery of India’s Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) hopes to receive 20 to 22 GE F404-IN20 engines by December, which could remove the biggest production delay. If the deliveries happen on time, HAL plans to hand over the first Tejas Mk1A squadron to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by March. This will be an important milestone for India’s indigenous fighter aircraft programme and the modernization of the IAF.
HAL Expects Up to 22 GE F404 Engines by December
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is optimistic that GE Aerospace will deliver 20 to 22 F404-IN20 engines before the end of December. The company has received only a small number of engines so far, which has slowed the production of the Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft. If the remaining engines arrive on schedule, HAL expects production and aircraft deliveries to increase significantly.
Read also: HAL Receives Seventh GE F404-IN20 Engine for Tejas Mk1A: Everything You Need to Know
Why Are Tejas Mk1A Deliveries Delayed
The biggest reason behind the delay is the shortage of GE F404-IN20 engines. HAL has already built around 30 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, but many of them cannot complete final testing because they are waiting for engines. Without engines, the aircraft cannot begin flight trials or be delivered to the Indian Air Force.
HAL Plans to Deliver the First Tejas Mk1A Squadron by March
HAL says the expected engine deliveries will give it enough time to install the engines, complete testing, and finish certification. If everything goes according to plan, the company aims to deliver the first Tejas Mk1A squadron, including trainer aircraft, by the end of March. This would be a major breakthrough after more than two years of production delays.
What Caused the GE F404 Engines Shortage
According to GE Aerospace, the F404 production line had to be restarted after several years. The company also faced global supply chain disruptions after the COVID-19 pandemic, making it difficult to produce engines on time. GE Aerospace has officially said it is increasing production capacity and improving deliveries for HAL.
HAL Has Around 30 Aircraft Ready
Reports suggest HAL has already completed the assembly of nearly 30 Tejas Mk1A airframes. These aircraft are currently waiting for engine installation before final testing and acceptance..Once the new engines arrive, HAL can quickly complete these aircraft.
HAL Signed Another Engine Contract
To support future production, HAL recently signed a new contract for 113 additional GE F404-IN20 engines. This is in addition to the 99-engine contract signed in 2021, ensuring a long-term supply of engines for future Tejas Mk1A fighters..The new agreement shows India’s commitment to increasing indigenous fighter aircraft production.
HAL Expands Tejas Production Capacity
HAL has also expanded its manufacturing capability. The company recently opened a third Tejas production line in Nashik, along with its Bengaluru facilities. Once engine supplies become regular, HAL expects to manufacture 24 to 30 Tejas aircraft every year.
Why Is the Tejas Mk1A Important
The Tejas Mk1A is one of India’s most advanced indigenous fighter aircraft. It comes with several modern technologies, including:
- AESA radar for better target detection.
- Advanced electronic warfare systems.
- Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile capability.
- Better survivability and combat performance.
- Lower maintenance requirements.
The aircraft will gradually replace older fighter jets and strengthen the Indian Air Force.
GE F404 Engines Supply: What GE Aerospace Officially Says
GE Aerospace has officially confirmed that restarting the F404 engine production line was a complex process because production had stopped for several years.
The company says it has now increased manufacturing and supplier capacity to deliver engines faster and meet HAL’s production requirements.
GE F404 Engines Supply: What This Means for the Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force urgently needs new fighter aircraft as older fleets continue to retire. Timely delivery of GE F404 engines will help HAL speed up Tejas Mk1A production and improve the IAF’s operational strength. If HAL meets its March target, it will mark the beginning of faster deliveries in the coming years.
Read also: 90% Ready, 100% Confidence: Tejas Mk1A Jets Set for 2026 Delivery Despite Delays
