GE Aerospace is stepping up efforts to supply F404-IN20 engines required for India’s Tejas Mk1A programme. The company has confirmed the shipment of three additional engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) during August and is working toward delivering 20 engines by the end of 2026, followed by another 10 by the end of March 2027. According to reports, GE has so far shipped 10 F404 engines. HAL has already produced around 30 Tejas Mk1A airframes and approximately 12 trainer aircraft, with the completed platforms undergoing flight testing while awaiting additional engines and necessary clearances before deliveries to the Indian Air Force. GE has indicated that it plans to raise annual F404 production to around 30 engines from FY2027. The Tejas Mk1A is powered by the F404-GE-IN20 afterburning turbofan, which delivers approximately 84 kN of thrust. Engine availability became a major issue after the previous F404 production network was disrupted following the COVID-19 period. GE had to rebuild its supply chain, appoint new outsourcing partners and establish a dedicated production line to resume manufacturing at the required scale. The challenge became more important after India’s Tejas procurement expanded beyond the original 83-aircraft order placed in 2021. The IAF subsequently ordered another 97 Mk1A aircraft, including trainer variants, increasing the long-term requirement for engines. GE has already faced financial penalties associated with delays in engine deliveries and is under pressure to meet its latest commitments. Faster production and shipment of F404 engines will be critical for HAL to convert completed airframes into operational aircraft and maintain the planned Tejas Mk1A production schedule.
