HAL receives third GE-404 engine from US for LCA Mk1A

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the third GE-404 engine from the US for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A programme. Another engine is expected before September ends, giving a fresh push to the production pipeline of India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jets.

Boost for Tejas production

The arrival of the latest engine strengthens HAL's efforts to meet its delivery schedule for the Tejas Mk1A, an advanced variant of India's indigenous fighter jet. According to defence officials, 12 GE-404 engines are expected to be delivered to HAL by the close of the current financial year.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has placed an order for 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft, while a proposal to purchase 97 additional fighters is at an advanced stage of approval. The IAF eventually aims to induct 352 Tejas aircraft, including both Mk1A and Mk2 variants as part of its long-term modernisation plan.

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$716 million engine deal with GE

India had signed a $716 million contract with General Electric in 2021 to procure 99 F404-IN20 engines for the LCA programme. However global supply chain disruptions - including delays linked to a South Korean component supplier - forced HAL to revise the delivery schedule, shifting the timeline to March 2025.

Defence officials said the stabilisation of engine supplies is expected to help HAL keep pace with its commitments to the IAF.

Full-scale production target by 2026

HAL has assured that it remains on track with deliveries for the current year despite earlier setbacks. The company expects to scale up production capacity to 30 Tejas aircraft annually by 2026–27, supported by wider participation from both public and private sector industry partners.

The aerospace manufacturer said engine supplies are likely to normalise in the next financial year, which will allow the production pipeline to move at full pace.