GE Aerospace Ships 4 More F404 Engines for Tejas
GE Aerospace has shipped four F404-IN20 engines for India's LCA Tejas, marking a critical step in supporting HAL and the Indian Air Force.
In a significant boost to India's indigenous fighter jet programme, US defence giant GE Aerospace has announced the shipment of four additional F404-IN20 high-performance turbofan engines. This latest dispatch, completed in September 2026, is aimed at powering the LCA Tejas and strengthens the ongoing partnership between GE, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the Indian Air Force.
Strengthening the Tejas Supply Chain
The delivery of these high-performance engines is a crucial milestone for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A programme. This shipment follows a previous consignment of three engines delivered to HAL in August 2026. The steady arrival of these engines is vital for maintaining the production momentum of the Tejas, which is a cornerstone of India's domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.
A GE Aerospace spokesperson emphasized the company's commitment to the project, 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."
Meeting the Growing Demand for LCA Mk1A
The Indian Air Force has placed a substantial order for 180 LCA Mk1A aircraft from HAL. Consequently, the consistent availability of GE F404 engines has become a critical factor in meeting the nation's expanding defence requirements. While HAL has confirmed that its production lines are ready, the overall delivery schedule for the aircraft remains heavily dependent on the steady flow of these engines.
Earlier in the year, former HAL Chairman DK Sunil had provided insight into the supply schedule, noting that GE had assured the delivery of 20 engines during the second half of 2026—specifically between June and December. He had previously indicated that the company's projections were conservative and that they aimed to exceed those numbers.
Addressing Previous Delays and Penalties
The journey to stabilize the supply chain has not been without challenges. The Tejas Mk1A programme has previously faced setbacks due to supply constraints. To ensure accountability and timely delivery, HAL has implemented strict contractual measures. "The contract includes a provision stating that if there is a delay in the delivery of F-404 engines for the Light Combat Aircraft, liquidated damages will be imposed on GE Aviation," HAL officials have stated.
As the shipment of these four engines continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the supply chain remains robust enough to support the large-scale production required to fulfill India's strategic defence objectives.