SOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to receive the first two F-404 engines from General Electric (GE) Aviation in March 2025, marking yet another delay in the delivery schedule for India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. This development underscores ongoing supply chain challenges within the aerospace industry, directly impacting India’s defense modernization efforts.
The F-404 engines, pivotal for the performance of the Tejas Mk1A, were initially expected to be delivered much earlier, with the first batch planned for March 2024. However, global supply chain disruptions have consistently pushed back these timelines. GE Aerospace has been transparent about the industry-wide pressures, stating their commitment to resolving these issues in collaboration with HAL and their suppliers. These delays have not only affected production schedules but have also raised concerns regarding the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Tejas Mk1A program is central to India’s strategy to bolster its air combat capabilities. With the engines being a critical component, any delay in their delivery directly impacts the aircraft’s production and deployment timeline. HAL, in response to these delays, has had to adapt by using Category B (used or reserve) engines for initial production and testing, which is not an ideal long-term solution but necessary to keep the program moving. Despite these challenges, HAL remains optimistic about meeting its production targets once the engine deliveries stabilize.
The delay in engine supply has broader strategic implications. India has invoked penalty clauses against GE for these delays, signaling the seriousness with which the country views its defense procurement timelines. However, there’s also a strategic decision not to enforce financial penalties, recognizing the importance of maintaining a strong partnership with GE for future projects, including the more advanced F-414 engines intended for the Tejas MkII.
The upcoming delivery of the F-404 engines is a hopeful sign, with GE committing to a schedule that includes two engines per month starting from November, aiming to accelerate in 2025. This commitment is expected to help HAL ramp up production and meet the IAF’s demand for new fighters. However, the aerospace sector’s supply chain issues remain a variable that could further affect timelines. HAL and GE are working closely to mitigate these risks, with the goal of ensuring that the Tejas Mk1A can be delivered as per the revised schedule.