GE Aerospace to Deliver 11 Additional F404-IN20 Engines to India in 2025
GE Aerospace has begun delivering F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as part of its commitment to support India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A program. Following the first engine delivery on March 25, 2025, the company has confirmed that 11 additional engines will be supplied by the end of this year, reinforcing India’s efforts to enhance its indigenous defense capabilities.
F404-IN20 Engine Features
The F404-IN20 is a high-performance engine tailored for the single-engine Tejas fighter jet. It features advanced technologies, including a higher-flow fan and single-crystal turbine blades, providing greater thrust and improved durability. These enhancements are specifically designed to meet the operational demands of the Indian Air Force, ensuring reliability and superior performance in combat scenarios.
Delivery Schedule and Production Plans
A total of 12 engines will be delivered in 2025, with the first already dispatched. The remaining 11 are scheduled to arrive in phases through the year. Starting in 2026, GE Aerospace plans to increase the supply rate to 20 engines annually until 2029, concluding the full order of 99 engines with the final batch of seven in 2030. This delivery schedule is aligned with HAL’s goal to roll out 16 to 24 Tejas Mk1A jets per year to bolster the IAF’s fighter fleet.
Implications for India’s Defense Manufacturing
The steady delivery of these engines is critical for keeping India’s indigenous LCA program on track. It also reflects strengthened collaboration between GE Aerospace and HAL, particularly in addressing earlier challenges linked to global supply chain disruptions. The partnership is seen as a significant step toward advancing India’s self-reliance in defense production and ensuring that the IAF remains equipped with state-of-the-art combat aircraft.
