Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has obtained the third GE-404 engine from the United States for use in the Light Fighter (LCA) MK1A program. Another engine is expected to be expected before the end of September, re-pushing the production channels for the indigenous Tejas fighter jets in India.
Promote Tejas production
The arrival of the latest engine strengthens HAL’s efforts to meet the delivery plan of the Tejas MK1A, an advanced variant of the Indian Indigenous fighter. According to defense officials, 12 GE-404 engines are expected to be delivered to HAL at the end of the fiscal year.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has placed orders for 83 LCA MK1A aircraft, and the proposal to purchase 97 other fighters is in the advanced approval stage. The IAF ultimately aims to introduce 352 Tejas aircraft, including the MK1A and MK2 variants, as part of its long-term modernization plan.
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$716 million engine deal with GE
India signed a $716 million contract with GE in 2021 to purchase the 99 F404-IN20 engine for the LCA plan. However, global supply chain disruptions – including delays related to Korean component suppliers – forced HAL to modify its delivery schedule to move the schedule to March 2025.
Defense officials said the expected stability of engine supply helps HAL keep pace with its commitment to the IAF.
Full-size production targets by 2026
HAL guarantees that despite earlier setbacks, delivery is still moving forward this year. The company expects to expand production capacity to 30 Tejas aircraft annually by 2026-27, supported by wider participation from public and private sector industry partners.
Aerospace manufacturers say engine supply may normalize in the next fiscal year, which will allow production pipelines to move at full speed.
HAL inventory performance
On September 11, HAL shares closed at Rs 4,580.25 on BSE.
