India received the second GE F404 engine from US-based GE Aerospace for integration into the indigenous Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This is a significant milestone for India’s defence manufacturing and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in aerospace.
Key Highlights
- Recipient: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru.
- Supplier: GE Aerospace, USA.
- Engine Model: GE F404-IN20.
- Jet Integration: With LCA Tejas Mk-1A, an advanced version of the Tejas Mk-1.
- Delivery Schedule:
- HAL ordered 99 F404 engines in August 2021 (₹5,375 crore deal).
- 1st engine delivered in April 2025 (delayed by 1.5 years).
- 2nd engine delivered in July 2025.
- 10 engines to be delivered by end of 2025
Production & Induction Plan
| Parameter | Details |
| First 12 Tejas Mk-1As | To be rolled out by December 2025 (6 already in final stages) |
| Annual production plan | 16 aircraft/year initially |
| Planned expansion | 30 aircraft/year by FY 2026–27 |
| Indian Air Force Order | 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets already ordered |
| Upcoming Order | Additional 97 Mk-1As, total ~₹67,000 crore |
| Long-term Plan | 352 Tejas jets (Mk1A + Mk2 variants) planned for IAF |
Key Features of Tejas Mk-1A
- AESA Radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array)
- Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite with jammer
- Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat capability
- Compatible with Derby and indigenous ASTRA missiles
- Testing for ASTRA missile underway
- Fully indigenous design & manufacture by HAL
Challenges & Delays
- Engine delivery delayed due to:
- COVID-19 pandemic
- Supply chain disruptions (e.g., South Korean component supplier issues)
- Original delivery schedule (2023) shifted to March 2025
- Tejas Mk1A delivery to IAF delayed by over a year
Significance for India
- Addresses IAF Squadron Shortfall: Replaces retired MiG-21 squadrons, bolstering national security.
- Boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat & Make in India: Indigenous fighter production with foreign tech integration.
- Export Potential: Tejas is being marketed to friendly foreign nations; boost for defence exports.
Key Facts
- HAL Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
- GE Aerospace: US-based defence and aerospace company
- Tejas Manufacturer: HAL under DRDO’s LCA program
- First Tejas Squadron (No. 45 Flying Daggers): Inducted in 2016, Sulur AFS
- AESA Radar onboard Tejas Mk-1A: Elta EL/M-2052 (Israeli tech), with indigenous variant in development