Fifth F404 engine delivery boosts India's Tejas fighter capabilities
In a significant development for India’s indigenous aviation sector, the supply chain for the country’s premier fighter jet has received a timely boost. On Friday, American aviation giant GE Aerospace officially transferred the fifth F404-IN20 turbofan engine to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This delivery marks a critical step in powering the highly anticipated LCA Tejas Mk1A engine program.
A spokesperson for GE Aerospace confirmed the handover, stating that the unit is part of the ongoing order fulfillment process initiated in 2021. Both the US-based engine manufacturer and India's defence public sector undertaking are coordinating closely to maintain a transparent and efficient production schedule. This ensures that the assembly line for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) faces no hurdles regarding propulsion systems.
This delivery comes shortly after the fourth engine arrived in October, signaling a steady rhythm in supply. These engines are vital components for the Tejas Mk1A, a modern 4.5-generation fighter that forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s future combat fleet.
Future Roadmap and Massive Contracts
The partnership between the two entities is set to expand significantly in the coming years. HAL recently took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to confirm a massive agreement signed on November 7, 2025. Under this new deal, HAL will procure 113 additional F404-IN20 engines from General Electric. This procurement includes a comprehensive support package essential for executing the manufacturing of 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft.
According to HAL, the timeline for this expanded inventory is well-defined. Deliveries for the new bulk order are slated to commence in 2027 and are expected to wrap up by 2032. This long-term planning aligns with the contract for the 97 jets, which was inked in September 2025.
Expanding Manufacturing Capabilities
Parallel to these deliveries, India’s domestic production infrastructure is being upgraded. In October, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the third production line for the Tejas Mk1A at HAL’s Nashik facility, alongside a second line for the HTT-40 trainer aircraft.
Simultaneously, GE Aerospace is deepening its investment in the Indian manufacturing ecosystem. Celebrating a decade of operations at its Pune site, the company announced a USD 14 million investment last month. This funding, which follows a USD 30 million injection from the previous year, is aimed at enhancing automation and upgrading processes to manufacture advanced engine components within India.
