GE Aerospace has confirmed that three additional F404-IN20 engines shipped to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in August are scheduled to reach India this week. The first two engines are expected to arrive within the next few days, while the third is likely to be delivered shortly afterward. The latest shipment represents an improvement in the pace of engine supplies, which have remained one of the major constraints affecting HAL’s Tejas Mk1A production and aircraft delivery plans. HAL is now targeting the delivery of 20 Tejas Mk1A fighters during FY27. The company had originally planned to hand over 12 aircraft in FY26, but the target was later reduced to around five or six aircraft. As of the latest update, no Tejas Mk1A had been delivered to the Indian Air Force. GE Aerospace signed a contract with HAL in 2021 to supply 99 F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk1A programme under a deal worth approximately ₹5,375 crore. The requirement subsequently expanded, with orders for another 113 F404 engines intended to support a planned fleet of 180 aircraft. Of the 212 engines ordered under these requirements, only 10 had reportedly been delivered so far. GE has said that the 99-engine contract required the company to restart its F404-IN20 production line after it had remained inactive for roughly five years. The company has committed to completing the original 99-engine order by 2029. Across various agreements, India has ordered a total of 287 F404 engines from GE Aerospace. These power the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mark 1 and Mark 1A fighter fleets operated by the Indian Air Force. Earlier procurement also included 75 F404 engines for the Tejas flight-development programme. These engines were used to support prototypes, technology demonstrators and the first two operational squadrons. The latest arrivals could therefore help HAL reduce one of the most significant production bottlenecks affecting the Mk1A programme. However, sustained deliveries will be necessary if the company is to meet its FY27 target and maintain a steady aircraft handover schedule.
