HAL Receives Third GE-404 Engine For LCA Mark-1A
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the third GE-404 (F404-IN20) engine from the United States for its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A programme. The fourth engine is expected to arrive in India by the end of this month.
Engine Order And Supply Plan
HAL is slated to receive 12 GE-404 engines by the end of the current fiscal year. These engines are crucial for powering the Tejas Mark-1A jets already ordered by the Indian Air Force.
Tejas Orders And Production Targets
The Indian Air Force has placed an order for 83 Tejas Mark-1A jets. In addition, the government is considering acquiring another 97 aircraft, which is in an advanced stage of approval. HAL is working to scale up production to 30 aircraft annually by fiscal year 2026-27.
Delays And Concerns
Delivery of the GE-404 engines has faced delays due to supply chain challenges. This has affected the production timeline of the Tejas Mark-1A. Defence officials emphasize the importance of getting supplies back on track to meet induction schedules.
