In a critical development for India’s defence aviation sector, US-based GE Aerospace has finally delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This delivery, made on March 25, 2025, brings an end to a prolonged two-year delay that had significantly impacted the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet production schedule.
The F404-IN20 engines are essential for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A, a modern and enhanced version of India’s indigenous fighter jet programme. The delivery is seen as a major boost to the Indian Air Force (IAF), which has been awaiting these aircraft to replenish and modernize its aging fleet.
Why the Delay in Engine Delivery Was a Big Concern
The delay had become a point of contention, even drawing remarks from Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who publicly criticized HAL for the lag in aircraft delivery. The IAF had placed an order for 83 Tejas Mk1A jets, but engine delays halted production, leaving the force without the urgently required fighter aircraft.
According to GE Aerospace, the main reason behind the delay was the shutdown of the F404-IN20 production line, which had remained inactive for over five years due to the absence of new orders. When HAL placed an order for 99 engines in 2021, GE had to rebuild and reactivate the dormant production line, leading to logistical challenges and supply-chain disruptions.
First Engine Delivered After PM Modi’s Intervention
The urgency of the situation was highlighted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, where the issue of delayed deliveries was raised directly with US leadership. The renewed attention led to GE expediting the process, culminating in the delivery of the first engine this March.
GE Aerospace’s Shawn Warren, general manager for combat and trainer engines, called it a “milestone in the 40-year relationship” between HAL and GE. He emphasized that this step strengthens India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and boosts the production of next-generation aircraft.
HAL Reacts: Production Line Revamped for Faster Deliveries
Responding to the delay, HAL has taken proactive steps to restructure its assembly process. A parallel assembly line has been added to the existing infrastructure at HAL’s Bengaluru facility, with the aim of delivering at least 16 Tejas Mk1A jets annually.
An HAL official stated, “Despite the delay in engine delivery, we have optimised our assembly process to ensure swift deliveries. The arrival of the F-404 engines will allow us to ramp up production significantly.”
What Makes Tejas Mk1A So Crucial for the IAF?
The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of the Mk1 variant and includes:
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Advanced AESA radar systems
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Improved electronic warfare suite
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Mid-air refueling capability
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Reduced maintenance time
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Enhanced weapons payload capacity
These features are crucial for replacing aging aircraft such as the MiG-21s and Jaguars, which the IAF is rapidly phasing out. The Mk1A is expected to serve as a reliable frontline fighter until the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) programs mature.
Indian Air Force’s Long Wait for Tejas Jets
The IAF’s frustration isn’t limited to the Mk1A. Even the original order for 40 Tejas Mk1 jets, placed in 2009-2010, is yet to be fulfilled in full. In one viral video, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh was seen candidly expressing that he had “no confidence” in HAL’s delivery timelines.
This candid statement underscored the growing pressure on both HAL and the Indian defence establishment to expedite indigenous defence production and reduce reliance on imports.
GE’s Official Statement on Delay
In a formal statement, GE Aerospace acknowledged the challenges involved in restarting production:
“With no additional engine orders on the horizon, the production line for F404-IN20 was shut down. However, when HAL ordered an additional 99 engines in 2021, our team began the complex task of restarting the F404-IN20 production line, which had been dormant for five years.”
This highlights how defence production timelines can be severely impacted by both procurement planning and supply chain management.
What Happens Next?
With the first engine now in India, HAL is expected to start full-scale integration and testing processes. Additional engine deliveries will follow in batches, enabling HAL to meet its commitment of delivering all 83 Tejas Mk1A jets by 2028.
Meanwhile, the GE-HAL engine partnership is set to deepen further, with discussions already underway for the co-production of GE’s F414 engines in India under the Make in India initiative—these engines are slated for use in Tejas Mk2.
Conclusion
The delivery of the first F404-IN20 engine after a two-year delay marks a critical turning point for India’s defence aviation sector. It not only unblocks the production pipeline for the long-awaited Tejas Mk1A fighter jets but also rejuvenates trust in strategic defence collaborations between India and the US. With HAL’s revamped assembly lines and the IAF’s growing urgency, the focus now shifts to timely, bulk production. This milestone strengthens India’s commitment to indigenization, bolsters national security, and sets the stage for more advanced indigenous fighter programs in the coming years.
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