GE Aerospace has handed over the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A program. This achievement represents a key milestone in expediting the production and delivery of Tejas jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
HAL Prepares to Deliver Tejas Mk-1A
The state-owned aerospace major HAL is also buying these engines to power Tejas’ Mk-1A variant, which is an indigenously built multi-role combat aircraft. The Ministry of Defence of India had signed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with HAL for the purchase of 83 Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets in February 2021. Deliveries of these planes, which were to start in March 2023, have been delayed repeatedly.
One of the major reasons for the postponement was the late delivery of engines by GE Aerospace. Now that the first engine has been delivered from the company’s Lynn, Massachusetts manufacturing plant, HAL should be able to speed up the production process. The engine will arrive in India in the first week of next month.
GE Aerospace’s F404 Engine: Powering Combat Jets Worldwide
The F404-IN20 engine, which was specifically developed for India’s single-engine fighter program, has the highest thrust in the F404 family. The engine incorporates a high-flow fan, single-crystal turbine blades, and numerous advanced components. The engine variant has been specifically designed to address the operational requirement of the Tejas Mk-1A.
“On Tuesday, we were excited to deliver the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to our valued customer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A fighter jet,” GE Aerospace said.
#PressRelease by @GE_Aerospace
On Tuesday (March 25), we were excited to deliver the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to our valued customer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A fight jet. It is an important milestone in our 40-year… pic.twitter.com/Rs9e0BCtJj— Alpha Defense™ (@alpha_defense) March 26, 2025
“It is an important milestone in our 40-year relationship with HAL and in our efforts to ensure a strong future for India’s military by developing next-generation fighters while enhancing the country’s defence manufacturing capabilities,” the company further stated.
Tejas MK-1A: A Key Asset for the Indian Air Force
The indigenous Tejas combat aircraft is to become the backbone of the IAF in the years to come. In November 2023, the Defence Ministry approved in principle the purchase of another 97 Tejas jets, strengthening India’s air power capabilities further.
The Tejas aircraft is a multi-role platform, with superiority in air combat and offensive air support missions. It can also be used for reconnaissance and anti-ship missions, expanding its operational horizon.
Overcoming Challenges: Restarting the F404-IN20 Production Line
GE Aerospace recognized the hurdles involved in reviving the F404-IN20 production line, which had gone dark for five years. In 2016, the manufacturer had produced 65 of the engines for the Tejas LCA programme, and production thereafter was halted because of a deficiency in new orders. But when HAL ordered 99 more engines in 2021, GE Aerospace embarked on the challenging task of reviving the inactive production line.
“”Restarting the F404-IN20 engine line during the COVID pandemic was even more challenging,” the company added. “With a high focus on safety and quality, and a remarkable commitment from our supply chain teams and our suppliers and partners, we have managed to restart the line.”
GE Aerospace attributed its patented lean operating system, Flight Deck, with eliminating bottlenecks and enhancing manufacturing efficiency. It is currently in close coordination with its international supply chain partners to source a continuous supply of parts and materials to increase the production of engines.
Strengthening India’s Defence Manufacturing Capabilities
This latest development reiterates India’s resolve to enhancing the country’s defence manufacturing prowess and decreasing dependence on foreign defence imports. The Tejas project, a key component of India’s “Make in India” programme, has demonstrated the nation’s capability to design and manufacture world-class fighter aircraft.
GE Aerospace reaffirmed itself to providing high-quality engines to HAL, maintaining efficient production, and helping India achieve its military aspirations.
This first engine delivery of this week is a reflection of what we have achieved with HAL in the last 40 years and also a reflection of our combined potential to create a robust future for India’s defense,” said the company.
With HAL accelerating the manufacturing process of Tejas Mk-1A jets, timely provision of F404-IN20 engines would be a key factor in completing the operational demand of IAF. As there are more Tejas planes to be rolled out, the Indian air defence setup is in line for a real boost over the next few years.
