In a significant boost to India’s indigenous fighter aircraft programme, GE Aerospace has handed over the fifth F404-IN20 engine to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the 2021 contract. The delivery marks a crucial step in the production of the Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets, which depend on the F404-IN20 engine for their propulsion and combat performance.
A GE Aerospace spokesperson confirmed that the company is working closely with HAL to ensure a clear and predictable production schedule for upcoming engine deliveries. This assurance comes at a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing for a major fleet expansion through the Tejas Mk-1A programme.
Background: India’s 2021 Tejas Contract and the Need for Timely Engine Deliveries
In 2021, the Ministry of Defence signed an ₹45,000 crore deal with HAL for the supply of 83 Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets. These include 73 single-seat fighters and 10 twin-seat trainer aircraft. The entire fleet is powered by the F404-IN20 engine, making the engine supply chain one of the most decisive elements of the programme.
The F404-IN20 engine is a proven, high performance turbofan engine widely recognised for its reliability and ability to support advanced avionics and weapons systems. For India’s Tejas Mk-1A, the F404-IN20 engine not only enhances thrust but provides operational flexibility critical to air combat scenarios in the subcontinent.
HAL has been steadily expanding production capacity, but engine delivery delays in the past created bottlenecks. The handover of the fifth F404-IN20 engine signals an improvement in timelines and renewed coordination between GE Aerospace and HAL.
97 Additional Tejas Mk-1A Jets Proposed: Engine Supply Becomes Even More Critical
Alongside the 83 aircraft already contracted, the Ministry of Defence is in advanced stages of approving a proposal to procure 97 more Tejas Mk-1A jets, taking the total fleet size to an unprecedented 180 aircraft. This makes the Tejas programme one of India’s largest indigenous defence production initiatives to date.
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If approved, the new order will significantly increase India’s requirement for the F404-IN20 engine, further emphasising the importance of timely production, delivery precision, and long term supply commitments from GE Aerospace. A strong and stable supply of the F404-IN20 engine will be essential for HAL to meet the IAF’s squadron targets over the next decade.
Strategic Importance and India’s Push for Defence Self-Reliance
The Tejas programme plays a central role in India’s efforts to reduce dependence on foreign defence platforms. However, while the aircraft is indigenous, its engine the F404-IN20 engine is imported. India’s long term strategy includes developing a fully indigenous engine for future aircraft, but until then, GE’s role remains crucial.
Defence analysts note that the consistent delivery of the F404-IN20 engine will determine how quickly HAL can ramp up manufacturing to meet national security needs. The IAF currently operates fewer squadrons than authorised, making speedy induction of Tejas Mk-1A jets a top priority.
Conclusion
The delivery of the fifth F404-IN20 engine marks meaningful progress in India’s Tejas Mk-1A programme. With negotiations underway for 97 additional aircraft, the partnership between GE Aerospace and HAL is entering a phase of even greater significance.
Ensuring uninterrupted supply of the F404-IN20 engine will be foundational to strengthening India’s air combat capabilities, boosting self-reliance, and accelerating the deployment of indigenous fighter jets across IAF squadrons.
