
GE to supply two engines monthly for Tejas jets
India has resumed receiving GE F404‑IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk‑1A fighter aircraft as part of a $716 million contract signed in 2021. The contract covers 99 engines in total. General Electric has now committed to supplying two engines per month from April 2025 through March 2026. The deliveries had previously been delayed due to component sourcing issues from a South Korean vendor.
Integration with HAL Production Plan
The first engine was delivered in late March and the second in mid‑July. These will be integrated into Tejas aircraft at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which aims to receive at least 12 engines by March 2026. This delivery schedule is crucial to HAL’s plan to hand over 12 Tejas Mk‑1A jets to the Indian Air Force within the same timeframe.
Accountability for Delays
Due to previous engine shortages, HAL had been rotating engines among test aircraft. India had raised concerns with GE over the delays, and penalties may apply if the revised delivery schedule is not honoured going forward.
Emergency Buy of Javelin Missiles
India is also actively considering the emergency procurement of US‑made Javelin anti‑tank guided missiles. The proposal is being fast-tracked to enhance anti‑armour capabilities of frontline army units. These man-portable missiles have proven effectiveness in modern combat scenarios.
Stryker Armoured Vehicles Under Evaluation
Alongside the missile procurement, Indian defence agencies are testing variants of the US Stryker armoured vehicles, including amphibious types. Although the standard configuration has not met all requirements, customised versions are being evaluated for possible induction into India’s mechanised infantry formations.
Defence Strategy Balances Imports and Indigenisation
These developments reflect India’s hybrid strategy of pushing indigenous platforms like the Tejas while selectively sourcing advanced systems from international partners to bridge capability gaps. The return to regular engine supplies ensures timely production of a frontline fighter fleet. At the same time, ground force readiness is being reinforced with versatile anti‑tank systems and mobile armoured platforms.