Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has solidified its commitment to India's indigenous fighter jet program by signing an agreement with General Electric (GE) for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines. These engines will power the follow-on order of 97 Tejas Mark 1A (Mk1A) Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
This agreement builds upon a previous contract where HAL secured 99 GE-404 engines for the initial batch of 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF). With this new deal, HAL's total requirement of 212 GE-404 engines will be met, ensuring a continuous supply and preventing potential production delays. The deal is valued at around $1 billion.
Deliveries of the engines are scheduled to commence between 2027 and 2032. While the initial delivery deadline for the first tranche of 83 Tejas Mk1A jets (contracted in February 2021) was February 2028, HAL faced delays due to late engine arrivals. As a temporary measure, HAL has been fitting some of the approximately 10 assembled Mk1A aircraft with reserve engines. However, with GE having delivered the fourth engine in September, the supply situation is expected to stabilize. The fifth engine delivery from GE is anticipated in November.
HAL aims to deliver the first 83 aircraft by the end of 2029-30 and the next 97 LCA Mark 1As by 2033-34. The company anticipates delivering the first aircraft soon, with three already prepared and awaiting final trials. These trials are expected to be completed in October, paving the way for delivery.
In addition to this agreement, HAL is also in negotiations for a larger deal involving 200 GE-414 engines, intended for the LCA Mark 2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This deal, valued at approximately $1.5 billion, is expected to include a technology transfer component of around 80%. Roughly 162 engines are earmarked for the LCA Mark 2 fighters, while 10 will power AMCA prototypes.
The expanded LCA program plays a vital role in replacing the IAF's aging MiG-21 fleet and promoting indigenous defense manufacturing by creating opportunities for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Furthermore, India is collaborating with French firm Safran on an indigenous fighter engine project, furthering the nation's objective of self-reliance in the defense sector. This engine is planned to power AMCA fighter jets.
