India Receives Second GE-404 Engine For LCA Tejas Mark 1A Fighter Jets
Generic Electric's F404 engine powers the indigenously-built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Image courtesy: X.com/@GE_Aerospace
India has received the second GE-404 engine from the United States for the LCA Mark 1A fighter jet programme, marking a key milestone in the country’s defence aviation sector. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expected to receive a total of 12 GE-404 engines by the end of this financial year, which will be fitted on the LCA Mark 1A fighter jets.
The delivery of the second GE-404 engine marks progress in India’s efforts to strengthen its indigenous fighter jet capabilities. These engines will be fitted on the LCA Mark 1A fighter jets, which are a key part of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strategy to enhance its fleet with locally produced aircraft.
The Air Force has already placed an order for 83 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets, with a proposal to purchase an additional 97 units currently under consideration.
What is the timeline for further engine deliveries?
According to Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar, General Electric (GE) will increase its deliveries to two engines per month until March 2026. This will help accelerate the induction of the LCA Mark 1A fighter jets into the Indian Air Force’s fleet.
India signed a $716 million agreement with GE in 2021 to procure 99 F404-IN20 engines, although supply chain disruptions, including issues with a South Korean component supplier, have delayed the delivery schedule. As a result, deliveries are now expected to be completed by March 2025.
How does the delay in engine deliveries affect the programme?
While the delayed engine deliveries have pushed the overall schedule back to March 2025, the Indian Air Force remains on track with its plans. The IAF aims to induct a total of 352 Tejas aircraft, which will include both LCA Mark 1A and the upcoming Mk 2 variants.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expected to meet its delivery targets for this year, and the engine supplies are projected to stabilise by the next financial year.
What are the future plans for the LCA Tejas programme?
HAL is aiming for full-scale production of the Tejas aircraft to reach 30 units per year by 2026-27. This ambitious target is supported by both public and private industry partners, which will contribute to the expansion of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
With stable engine supplies and increased production capacity, the LCA Tejas programme is set to become a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force’s future fleet.
