GE Aerospace delivers first F404-IN20 engine – What it means for India’s military jet fleet

Aircraft engine supplier GE Aerospace on Wednesday delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A fighter jet. The company described the delivery as a key milestone in its 40-year partnership with HAL and its commitment to strengthening India's military capabilities.

GE Aerospace has a long history of military jet propulsion collaboration in India. It partnered with the Aeronautical Development Agency in the 1980s and, in 2004, its F404-IN20 engine was chosen for the single-engine Tejas aircraft. The selection marked a major breakthrough for both India and GE Aerospace.

The delivery comes after a two-year delay, with the first engine undergoing testing before its official handover to HAL. Under the $716 million contract signed in 2021, 12 more engines are scheduled for delivery in 2025, followed by 20 per year thereafter. The delays had impacted the Indian Air Force, but GE Aerospace is expected to ramp up production to meet contractual obligations.

F404-IN20: A high-thrust, versatile engine
The F404-IN20 is the highest thrust variant of the F404 family, incorporating GE’s latest hot section materials and technologies, along with a Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) system for reliable power and enhanced operational characteristics. It offers unrestricted engine performance with rapid throttle response and zero throttle restrictions, ensuring maximum efficiency in combat situations.

Designed for adaptability, the F404 engine family powers a wide range of aircraft, from low-level subsonic attack planes to high-altitude interceptors. Initially developed for the Boeing F/A-18, the F404 has since been used in the F-117A Stealth Fighter, the Singapore A4-SU Super Skyhawk, and the Korean KAI/LMTAS T-50 advanced trainer/light fighter. The latest variants, including the F404-GE-402 for the F/A-18C/D Hornet and the F404/RM12 for the Saab Gripen, offer improved fuel efficiency, higher power, and increased mission capability.

The F404-GE-102, developed for the Korean Air Force, includes advanced safety features for single-engine operations and incorporates technology from GE’s F414 engine. The F404-GE-IN20, now powering India’s Tejas Mk 1A, builds on this legacy with enhanced performance and durability, making it a compelling choice for modern fighter jets.

HAL under pressure over Tejas MK 1A delays
HAL has been facing scrutiny over delays in the supply of 83 Tejas MK 1A aircraft to the Indian Air Force. In response, the Defence Ministry has set up a committee under Defence Secretary R.K. Singh to explore business models for the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, including private sector participation to reduce dependence on HAL.

Meanwhile, HAL and GE are collaborating on the more powerful GE-414 engine, set to power India’s future AMCA. This technology transfer agreement was finalised under the India-US iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies) framework, reinforcing defence ties between the two nations.