GE Aerospace has significantly ramped up its delivery of F404-IN20 engines for India's indigenous Tejas Mk1A fighter program, shipping four units in September. This recent dispatch follows a shipment of three engines in August, signaling a crucial acceleration in supplies after persistent delays had hampered Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) production timeline.
Addressing Production Bottlenecks
The increased pace of deliveries from GE Aerospace is a welcome development for the Tejas Mk1A program, which has faced considerable setbacks. A spokesperson for GE Aerospace confirmed the September shipment to news agency ANI, stating, "We remain focused on delivering the engines needed to power India's Tejas indigenous fighter jets. We are proud to partner with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian Air Force."
HAL had secured a ₹5,375-crore contract with GE in 2021 for 99 F404-IN20 engines. However, the program experienced significant delays, with the first engine from this order only arriving in March 2025, a year after the Indian Air Force (IAF) was initially slated to begin receiving the Tejas Mk1A in February 2024. Former HAL chairman D K Sunil had previously indicated that GE had committed to delivering 20 F404 engines between June and December 2026.
To date, HAL has yet to deliver a single Tejas Mk1A fighter to the IAF. The program's progress has been hindered not only by engine supply issues but also by pending radar and weapons integration challenges.
Strategic Partnership and Future Plans
Beyond engine deliveries, GE Aerospace and the Indian Air Force reached an agreement in April 2026 to establish an F404-IN20 engine depot within India. Under this arrangement, the IAF will own, operate, and maintain the facility, with GE providing essential technical inputs, training, support staff, spare parts, and specialized equipment.
GE Aerospace boasts a long-standing history of military jet propulsion collaboration with India, dating back to the 1980s with the Aeronautical Development Agency. The F404-IN20 engine, a customized design for India’s single-engine fighter, was selected for the Tejas in 2004. It is notable for having the highest thrust within the F404 family, incorporating a higher-flow fan, unique single-crystal turbine blades, and several other specialized components designed for optimal performance.