General Electric (GE) Aerospace has delivered first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A. This marks commencement of engine deliveries for delayed Tejas Mk1A program. A total of 12 engines are expected to be delivered in 2025, with first engine undergoing final test checks at GE’s facility in Lynn before its expected arrival in India in April.
Key Highlights of F404-IN20 Engine Delivery
Milestone in India-GE Partnership:
- Marks a key milestone in four-decade-long collaboration between GE Aerospace and HAL.
- Strengthens India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and supports Tejas fighter jet program.
Tejas Mk1A Production & Engine Requirements:
- HAL has promised to produce 24 Tejas Mk1A jets annually.
- Indian Air Force (IAF) requires 35-40 new fighter jets per year to address squadron shortages.
- HAL aims to complete existing order of 87 LCA Mk1A jets in 3.5 years, with an additional order for 97 jets by FY31-32.
F404-IN20 Engine Capabilities:
- Tailored for Tejas LCA, offering highest thrust among F404 family engines.
- Features a high-flow fan, single-crystal turbine blades, and customized components for IAF needs.
- Initially selected in 2004 and successfully achieved Mach 1.1 speed during Tejas’ first test flight in 2008.
Production Challenges & Restart:
- GE had earlier supplied 65 F404-IN20 engines for 40 Tejas jets by 2016, after which production halted due to no further orders.
- In 2021, HAL placed a new order for 99 additional engines, prompting GE to restart dormant production line and re-engage global supply chain.
Strategic Importance of Tejas & IAF Fighter Fleet Status
Tejas Program Development:
- Originally designed to replace MiG-21 fighter jets.
- Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded 4.5-generation delta-wing multi-role combat aircraft.
- More capable LCA Mk2 is under development, and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter, is at least a decade away.
IAF Fighter Jet Shortage & Future Plans:
- The IAF currently operates 31 fighter squadrons, significantly below sanctioned 42.5 squadrons.
- Several older jets, including Jaguar, MiG-29UPG, and Mirage-2000, will start phasing out by the end of the decade.
- A high-level committee, led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, has been set up to identify key focus areas for IAF’s modernization.
Tejas: India’s Indigenous Fighter Jet
Tejas is a single-engine, lightweight, multi-role fighter aircraft developed by India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It was designed to replace aging MiG-21 fleet and enhance India’s indigenous fighter jet capabilities.
Key Features of Tejas
Generation: 4.5-generation combat aircraft
Design: Delta-wing, tailless configuration for high agility
Engine: F404-IN20 (for Mk1A)
Speed: Capable of Mach 1.8
Range: Approx. 3,000 km with external fuel tanks
Weapons: Equipped with
- Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and Close Combat Missiles
- Laser-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles
- A 23mm twin-barrel cannon
Avionics: AESA radar, fly-by-wire control system, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities
Variants of Tejas
- Tejas Mk1 – Initial version, inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF)
- Tejas Mk1A – Improved version with better avionics, radar, and weapons
- Tejas Mk2 – Under development, with a more powerful GE-414 engine
- Naval Tejas – Carrier-capable variant for the Indian Navy
Significance
- First fully indigenous fighter jet of India
- Strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence (Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative)
- Enhances IAF’s combat readiness with modern technology
The Tejas Mk1A is currently being produced in large numbers, with plans to develop Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) in the future.