India Seeks Faster Delivery of GE F404 Engines for Tejas Jets
India has formally requested the United States to expedite the delivery of GE F404-IN20 engines, a critical component for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk‑1 and Mk‑1A fleets. The appeal was made by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during high-level talks with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, amid growing concerns over production bottlenecks caused by delayed engine shipments.
Tejas Engines
The GE F404-IN20 engine is the powerplant for the Indian Air Force’s Tejas Mk‑1 fighters and the upgraded Mk‑1A variants. These aircraft form a cornerstone of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing drive and are vital to efforts aimed at modernising the IAF’s combat capabilities. However, delivery delays from GE Aerospace have hampered progress. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has completed several airframes that remain grounded due to the unavailability of engines.
Production Delays
As of mid-2025, only one engine has been delivered against a target of 12 for the fiscal year. HAL officials have attributed the delay to legacy disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages at GE facilities, and persistent supply chain challenges involving component vendors. While GE has promised improved delivery rates starting 2026, the current shortfall is impacting HAL’s ability to meet the Indian Air Force’s operational timelines.
Strategic Implications
The Indian Air Force is relying heavily on the timely induction of 83 Tejas Mk‑1A jets, a ₹48,000 crore contract signed in 2021. These fighters are meant to replace the retiring MiG-21 squadrons and form the backbone of India’s medium-weight air superiority capability. Engine delays are directly affecting squadron readiness and delaying training and deployment cycles for new pilots.
Path Ahead
In parallel, India is pursuing long-term solutions to reduce dependence on foreign jet engine suppliers. The indigenous Kaveri engine programme is being revived with fresh R&D investments, and a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with GE to co-produce the more powerful F414 engines in India for the upcoming Tejas Mk‑2 and AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) projects.
