HAL receives key engine shipment, boosting IAF’s Tejas Mk1A program

New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) received the third GE 404 engine from US-based GE Aerospace for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A program. HAL also confirmed that a fourth engine is expected by the end of this month, a development that is expected to ease supply chain challenges and support the long-awaited deliveries of the aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

“HAL has received the third GE 404 engine for LCA Mk1A. One more engine is scheduled to be delivered by the end of September. Engine supply chain improvement will pave the way for LCA Mk1A deliveries,” HAL said in a statement.

In January 2021, the Cabinet Committee on Security cleared a major order for the IAF with 73 Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft and 10 trainer aircraft, valued at Rs 45,696 crore. Another Rs 1,202 crore was sanctioned for related infrastructure and development.

According to the Ministry of Defence’s 2022 plan, HAL was required to deliver all 83 aircraft within eight years. The first three jets were to arrive in the third year, followed by 16 aircraft every year for five consecutive years.

However, this timeline has slipped. Delays in receiving engines from GE Aerospace have slowed down HAL’s ability to roll out the aircraft as planned.

Earlier this year, during the Aero India 2025 air show in Bengaluru, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh publicly expressed frustration over the delay, saying he was “just not confident” about HAL meeting the deadlines.

HAL, for its part, has consistently pointed to supply chain bottlenecks at GE Aerospace as the main reason for the setback. With the fresh arrival of the third engine and another due soon, HAL is hopeful that the program will finally pick up speed.

The Tejas Mk1A program is considered a cornerstone of India’s efforts to strengthen its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The jets, powered by GE 404 engines, are expected to replace ageing aircraft in the IAF’s fleet and boost India’s self-reliance in combat aviation.

For HAL, the timely arrival of engines will be key to restoring confidence in the program and meeting its commitments to the IAF in the coming years.