GE Aerospace ships four F404 engines to HAL for Tejas LCA in September

NEW DELHI — GE Aerospace delivered four F404‑IN20 turbofan engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in September 2026, the latest batch intended for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk‑1A programme. The shipment fulfills a scheduled supply under the joint development agreement between GE and HAL, aiming to sustain the Indian Air Force’s fleet expansion.

The four engines, part of a broader procurement plan that calls for a total of 120 powerplants for the Tejas Mk‑1A, were transferred to HAL’s Bengaluru facility on 12 September, according to the company’s logistics report. GE Aerospace confirmed that the engines meet the performance specifications required for the aircraft’s upgraded avionics and weapons suite.

Background on the Tejas engine programme

India’s Tejas LCA, designed to replace aging fighter jets, relies on the GE‑derived F404‑IN20 engine, produced under licence by HAL at its engine manufacturing unit in Bengaluru. The engine provides thrust of 78 kN and incorporates indigenous components to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. HAL has been scaling up production capacity to meet the Indian Air Force’s target of 120 aircraft by 2030.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence approved an additional order for 30 engines to cover the next tranche of aircraft deliveries. The September shipment represents the first batch from that order, aligning with HAL’s production schedule for the 2026‑27 fiscal year.

GE Aerospace’s commitment

GE Aerospace said the delivery underscores its long‑term partnership with India’s defence sector and its commitment to supporting indigenous platforms. The company highlighted that the F404‑IN20 has been in service with the Indian Air Force since 2016 and that ongoing upgrades are being incorporated to improve fuel efficiency and thrust‑to‑weight ratio.

Industry analysts note that timely engine deliveries are critical for maintaining the Tejas production line, which has faced delays in the past due to supply chain constraints. The September shipment is expected to keep HAL on track for its planned delivery of 12 aircraft to the IAF by the end of 2027.

Implications for defence self‑reliance

The delivery aligns with the government’s “Make in India” initiative, which seeks to increase domestic content in defence equipment. By sourcing engines under licence and integrating Indian‑made components, the Tejas programme aims to reduce reliance on imported powerplants and enhance strategic autonomy.

HAL’s chief executive, in a recent briefing, indicated that the engine batch will be subjected to a series of ground‑run tests before installation in airframes slated for final assembly. Successful integration will allow the IAF to commence operational trials of the Mk‑1A variant later this year.

GE Aerospace’s supply chain, which includes manufacturing facilities in the United States and India, has been coordinated with the Ministry of Defence’s procurement cell to ensure compliance with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2022. The shipment was cleared through customs under the Defence Import Export Policy, with no reported issues.