Image Credit: Ministry of Defence
GE to Deliver First F404 Engine for Tejas Mk 1A by March-End
General Electric (GE) is set to deliver the first of 99 F404 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by the end of March 2025. This marks a significant step forward in the production of India’s Tejas Mk 1A fighter jets, following a delay of over two years that affected the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernization timeline.
First Engine Delivery After Delay
The engine delivery, originally scheduled earlier, was postponed due to global supply chain disruptions and production setbacks. With the supply line now stabilized, GE is prepared to begin phased deliveries—starting with 12 engines in 2025, followed by 20 annually to complete the order by 2029. The engines will power the indigenous Tejas Mk 1A jets, which are expected to form a core part of the IAF’s future fleet.
Engine Features and Program Impact
The F404-GE-IN20 engine, selected for the Tejas Mk 1A, is the most advanced in its class, offering high thrust with modern digital controls. The delay in deliveries had impacted HAL’s manufacturing targets and raised concerns within the IAF, which currently operates with 31 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.
Despite these challenges, HAL is now aiming to deliver between 16 and 24 Tejas Mk 1A aircraft in the coming fiscal year, depending on the regularity of engine supply from GE.
Strengthening Indigenous Defence Production
Looking ahead, HAL is collaborating with GE for local production of the F414 engine, which will power India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This partnership supports India’s broader defense strategy under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
IAF’s Modernization Strategy
To bolster its fleet, the IAF is not only advancing the Tejas program but also planning to procure an additional 97 Mk 1A fighters. If finalized, this would raise the total number of Tejas aircraft in service to around 220. The IAF is also exploring international collaborations and future technologies to bridge its squadron shortfall and enhance aerial capabilities.
The arrival of the first F404 engine will provide the much-needed momentum for HAL and the IAF, as India continues to push for indigenization in defense and seeks to meet its long-term strategic air power goals.
