GE delivers first F404-IN20 engine for India’s Tejas Mk-1A after long delay

After prolonged delays, GE Aerospace has officially delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A fighter jet. The engine, handed over at GE’s facility, is expected to reach HAL’s production unit next month, sources confirmed.

GE stated that it is actively working with suppliers to scale up production of parts and materials for the F404-IN20 engine, though it did not specify the timeline for subsequent deliveries.

At Aero India 2025, HAL CMD DK Sunil had announced that 12 LCA Mk-1A aircraft would be ready by year-end, implying that an equal number of engines would likely be shipped to India in the coming months.

The Ministry of Defence had signed a ₹48,000 crore contract with HAL in February 2021 for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets, with deliveries originally slated to begin in March 2024. However, engine supply delays have held up the project, preventing the Indian Air Force (IAF) from receiving any aircraft.

Shawn Warren, General Manager of Combat & Trainer Engines at GE Aerospace, described the F404-IN20 as a customized, high-thrust variant for India’s single-engine Tejas Mk-1A. It features an advanced high-flow fan, unique single-crystal turbine blades, and specialized components.

GE addressed concerns over production delays, explaining that the F404-IN20 engine line had been dormant since 2016 due to a lack of new orders. Restarting production following HAL’s 2021 order for 99 additional engines posed significant challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Restarting a jet engine production line is a complex process, made even more difficult by pandemic-related disruptions. Our FLIGHT DECK lean operating model helped us overcome bottlenecks and streamline manufacturing,” Warren said.

Between 2008 and 2016, GE supplied 65 F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas program. Since then, the company has worked closely with HAL and the IAF to fine-tune the engine’s performance. During its first test flight in 2008, the Tejas LCA equipped with the F404-IN20 reached Mach 1.1 and climbed to various mission altitudes.

The $716 million deal signed in August 2021 marks a significant milestone in GE’s 40-year partnership with HAL. The US-based aerospace firm emphasized its commitment to strengthening India’s defense manufacturing sector while supporting next-generation fighter development.