Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a major agreement with US-based GE Aerospace to supply 113 jet engines for India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme in a key step in strengthening the Indian Air Force’s fighter jet capabilities.

The agreement, valued at around $1 billion (approximately INR 8,870 crore), covers the delivery of F404-GE-IN20 engines and associated support packages. The deliveries will begin in 2027 and are expected to be completed by 2032, officials confirmed on Friday.

The new engines will power 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft, which the Indian Air Force (IAF) ordered under a INR 62,370 crore contract signed with HAL in September 2024.

The Tejas Mk-1A is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft designed to perform a range of missions, including air defence, ground attack, and maritime reconnaissance. It has been developed indigenously by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and produced by HAL as part of India’s effort to strengthen self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

HAL has already been using the same GE F404 engines for an earlier batch of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets, approved in 2021 under a INR 48,000 crore deal. The new contract will support the next phase of production as the Indian Air Force looks to expand its fleet amid a growing shortage of operational fighter squadrons.

Currently, the IAF has 31 active fighter squadrons, well below the sanctioned strength of 42, making timely induction of the Tejas Mk-1A a top priority.

Officials said the agreement highlights India’s balanced approach to defence manufacturing, building indigenous aircraft while working closely with global partners to ensure reliability and performance.

The F404-GE-IN20 engine, known for its durability and thrust performance, is central to enabling the Tejas to operate effectively in high-threat combat environments.

While the Tejas programme has made significant progress in recent years, it has also faced production and supply delays, partly due to GE Aerospace missing earlier engine delivery schedules. The new deal aims to stabilise the supply chain and ensure steady progress in aircraft deliveries to the IAF.

The collaboration also comes amid a period of renewed engagement between India and the United States in the aerospace and defence sectors, despite earlier trade tensions.

With this contract, HAL has further strengthened its role as a key player in India’s “Make in India” defence initiative. Once fully equipped, the Tejas Mk-1A fleet will form the backbone of the IAF’s light fighter segment, replacing ageing MiG-21s and boosting India’s air combat readiness.