On 25th March, 2025, GE Aerospace has successfully delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A fighter jet. The delivery, which took place on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, marks the end of a two-year delay and paves the way for HAL to ramp up production of the indigenous fighter jet, a cornerstone of India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.
The Tejas Mk1A, an advanced variant of the single-engine, multirole combat aircraft designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by HAL, was prominently displayed at the Aero India 2025 airshow in Bengaluru last month.
GE Aerospace’s journey with the Tejas program has not been without challenges. By 2016, the company had delivered 65 F404-IN20 engines for the initial batch of 40 Tejas jets. However, with no further orders at the time, the production line was shut down. In 2021, HAL placed an order for 99 additional engines to power the Tejas Mk1A, necessitating the complex task of restarting the dormant production line—a process further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Restarting a jet engine production line is a challenging process. Doing so during the pandemic was even more challenging,” said Shawn Warren, General Manager of Combat & Trainer Engines at GE Aerospace. Despite these hurdles, GE Aerospace successfully re-engaged its global supply chain, leveraging its proprietary FLIGHT DECK operating model to streamline manufacturing processes and ensure quality.
The delivery of the first engine is a critical step for HAL, which has faced delays in the Tejas Mk1A program due to engine supply issues and developmental challenges. HAL Chairman D.K. Sunil had earlier stated at Aero India 2025 that the company aims to produce 12 jets this year, with plans to scale up to 24 aircraft annually by FY31-32. The IAF, currently operating at 31 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.5, is eager to induct the Tejas Mk1A to replace its aging MiG-21 fleet. The first squadron of Tejas Mk1A is expected to be raised at Nal Air Force Station, with No. 3 and No. 23 Squadrons set to operate the new variant.
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The Tejas Mk1A boasts significant upgrades over its predecessor, including the ELTA EL/M-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), an advanced electronic warfare suite, and the ability to carry Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles like the Astra Mk1. With a maximum payload capacity of 4,000 kg, the aircraft is designed to excel in air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, making it a versatile addition to the IAF’s fleet.
As HAL prepares to roll out the first Tejas Mk1A from its Nashik facility by April 2025, the pressure is on to meet the IAF’s demands and close the technological gap with global competitors. The delivery of the F404-IN20 engine is a step forward, but for India to compete on the global stage, experts argue that it must accelerate its indigenous engine programs, such as the Kaveri, and invest in next-generation technologies to match the pace of adversaries like China.
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