Key Takeaways
- HAL signs agreement with GE Aerospace for 113 F404 engines for Tejas aircraft
- ₹62,370 crore deal includes 97 LCA Mk1A fighters for Indian Air Force
- Engine deliveries scheduled from 2027-2032 with 70% indigenous content
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has finalized a significant agreement with GE Aerospace for 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft programme. The deal, announced on November 7, includes a comprehensive support package for the 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force.
Deal Specifications and Timeline
The contract for 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft was signed in September 2025, with engine deliveries scheduled to commence in 2027 and continue through 2032. According to defence officials, the entire supply of F404-GE-IN20 engines under this agreement will be completed within this five-year delivery window.
The Defence Ministry confirmed this represents a ₹62,370 crore procurement for the Indian Air Force, marking one of the significant defence acquisitions under the initiative.
Strategic Importance
HAL Chairman and Managing Director Dr DK Sunil described the decision to supply 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft to the IAF as a “red letter day,” highlighting the confidence in HAL’s manufacturing capabilities and alignment with India’s self-reliance goals in defence production.
The Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft designed to operate in high-threat environments, capable of undertaking air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions.
Indigenous Content and Manufacturing
Dr Sunil revealed that the LCA Mk1A aircraft will feature 70% indigenous content, incorporating advanced systems including the domestically developed UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar and the Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite.
Approximately 50% of the material content used in manufacturing will come from the Indian private sector, significantly boosting domestic defence manufacturing. “By financial year 2032-33, we will finish all 180 aircraft. That is the target,” Dr Sunil stated, outlining HAL’s production roadmap.
