Engine supplies for India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft program are beginning to stabilise, providing a significant boost to the production schedule of the TEJAS MK-1A fighter.

US aerospace major GE Aerospace shipped four additional F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) last month, helping ease a major bottleneck that had slowed aircraft deliveries.

HAL expects the flow of engines to improve further over the coming years, with GE projected to supply more than 20 engines annually from 2027. The increased delivery rate is expected to support faster production and induction of TEJAS MK-1A fighters into the Indian Air Force.

The TEJAS MK-1A program has faced delays primarily because of disruptions in GE’s global supply chain, which affected planned engine deliveries. These setbacks contributed to the postponement of aircraft handovers despite production progress on the airframes.

To address the delays, penalties and liquidated damages have been imposed on GE Aerospace, with financial consequences linked to each engine delivered behind schedule.

HAL had originally placed an order for 99 F404 engines worth approximately ₹5,845 crore, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2024. However, supply-chain difficulties resulted in a significant slippage against the agreed timeline.

Further reinforcing the long-term production outlook, HAL signed an additional contract worth around ₹8,350 crore last year for 113 more F404 engines to power a second batch of TEJAS MK-1A fighters.

Alongside efforts to restore F404 deliveries, HAL continues negotiations with GE Aerospace on the transfer of technology for the more advanced F414 engine. The agreement is considered strategically important because it would enable substantial manufacturing capability within India and strengthen the country's aerospace ecosystem.

The forthcoming TEJAS MK-2, which is already in the prototype production phase, will be powered by the F414 engine. The engine is also planned to be manufactured in India under the proposed technology-transfer arrangement, supporting greater self-reliance in military aviation.

Recent engine shipments indicate that supply issues are gradually easing. Improved availability of F404 engines is expected to help HAL clear production backlogs, accelerate fighter deliveries and strengthen the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force as it modernises its combat fleet.

The recovery in engine supplies is therefore viewed as a critical step not only for the TEJAS MK-1A program but also for the broader evolution of India’s indigenous fighter aircraft capabilities, including the transition towards the more capable TEJAS MK-2 platform.

Agencies