The Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Friday sealed a major deal with GE Aerospace to procure 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines for its Tejas light combat aircraft programme, in a sign of warming ties with the US following months of tariff-induced tensions.
Under the agreement, deliveries will begin in 2027 and be completed by 2032, officials said. HAL said the engines and support package will be used for executing the 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A programme.
In September, the Defence Ministry signed a Rs 62,370 crore contract with HAL to procure 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters for the Indian Air Force. The Tejas Mk1A fighters are crucial for India’s efforts to shore up its air force’s depleting fighter squadrons and replace ageing jets amid neighbouring China’s growing military strength and support for Pakistan.
However, the rollout of the fighter has faced delays due to slow deliveries from GE of 99 engines ordered in 2021, of which only four have arrived so far. GE has attributed the delay to post-COVID-19 supply chain disruptions.
Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments. Designed for air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles, the Mk1A variant represents a major leap in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing.
The Tejas Mk1A made its maiden flight on October 17 in Nashik, Maharashtra, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who also inaugurated HAL’s third production line for the aircraft. The rollout came weeks after two squadrons of ageing MiG-21 jets were phased out, leaving a gap the Mk1A is expected to fill.
The IAF had earlier ordered 40 Tejas aircraft, with two squadrons already operational. In 2021, the Defence Ministry placed an order for 83 Mk1A jets, and with the latest order for 97 more, a total of 180 aircraft will be delivered through 2034.
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