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New Delhi. American company GE Aerospace has shipped three more F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in August 2026. These engines are for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft MK1A program. The company itself has confirmed this. A total of 10 engines have reached HAL with this consignment.

Earlier in July the seventh engine had arrived. There was a minor technical problem in the sixth engine but GE fixed it. HAL approved for use. GE said it is proud of its partnership with HAL and the Indian Air Force. Is helping in powering indigenous fighter jets.

The Tejas MK1A project was lagging behind due to lack of engine supply. The Defense Ministry had signed a contract worth Rs 48,000 crore with HAL in February 2021. It includes 83 aircraft, of which 73 are fighters and 10 are trainers. According to the plan, delivery was to be completed in eight years.

The target was to deliver first three aircraft in the third year and then 16 aircraft annually for five years. But slow supply of engines slowed down production. Now there is relief with the arrival of new engines. HAL has said that more engines will be available in the coming months. A target has been set to get a total of 22 engines by December so that production can speed up and the Air Force starts receiving aircraft.

Deal and future needs

GE Aerospace has been awarded the contract to supply a total of 99 F404-IN20 engines for the first order. It is the main power plant of the single-engine fighter and is the most important part of the production schedule. HAL will be able to increase production speed only with regular and fast supply of engines.

Continuous engine delivery is necessary to meet the requirements of the Air Force. If the supply continues, the project can come back on track. Tejas MK1A is an important indigenous fighter aircraft program of India. Lack of engine had been a hindrance for a long time.

GE's new shipment is a positive step towards removing this obstacle. HAL will now be able to focus on increasing production. This will help in increasing the squadron strength of the Indian Air Force. There remains a need for faster supply in the future so that the original deadline can be reached.