The delivery of Tejas Mk1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) has faced delays due to interruptions in the supply of GE404 engines from the United States. These engines, manufactured by GE Aerospace, are crucial for powering the Tejas Mk1A, a light combat aircraft (LCA)indigenously built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
In 2021, India signed a ₹45,000 crore contract with HAL for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighters. However, the production schedule has been impacted by delays in engine deliveries, leading to criticism from Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. HAL officials have attributed these delays to supply chain issues at the US engine maker. GE has stated that the delays are due to problems associated with restarting the production line after HAL ordered an additional 99 engines in 2021.
Despite the setbacks, there have been recent positive developments. HAL received the third GE404 engine from the US, which is expected to put the Tejas Mk1A delivery schedule back on track. One more engine from GE Aerospace is expected by the end of September. Following this, HAL is expected to hand over the first two Tejas aircraft to the IAF in October. According to sources, ten aircraft have already been built and tested, with one aircraft from Nashik ready for handover.
HAL is aiming for a steady supply of at least two engines per month starting in October to get the production schedule back on track. Alongside the F404 engines, 10 F414 engines have already arrived. A broader deal for 113 F404 engines for an additional 97 Mk1As is nearly done, with only the signing of the contract remaining. The Cabinet Committee on Security has already cleared it.
In light of these delays, there's a growing push for indigenous engine solutions. The increasing weight of the Tejas, due to advanced weapon systems, demands greater engine thrust. Moreover, concerns about potential US sanctions have underscored the necessity for a self-reliant alternative. There is a proposed two-stage process that involves integrating the current 73-75 kN Kaveri engine with a Tejas aircraft for flight trials by 2028 and developing the uprated 90 kN variant to be integrated into the Tejas Mk1A fleet during their mid-life upgrades.
HAL officials remain optimistic, stating that production remains on a "firm footing". With engine deliveries resuming, the Tejas programme is expected to recover. HAL hopes to complete the delivery of 180 aircraft by 2031-32 if the engine supply is steady. HAL is also in negotiations with GE for a separate deal to acquire GE-414 engines with a significant transfer of technology, which will be needed for India's LCA Mark 2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programs.
