IAF and HAL Near Agreement for 97 Additional Tejas MkIA Fighters as General Electric Co. Commits to Boosting F-404 Engine Deliveries

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are reportedly close to finalizing a deal for the acquisition of 97 additional Tejas MkIA fighter jets, a move that underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its indigenous defense capabilities. As part of this significant development, General Electric Co. (GE) is in advanced negotiations with HAL to expand the delivery of its F-404 engines, which power the Tejas MkI. Despite facing supply chain challenges, GE has agreed to scale up its engine deliveries, ensuring the timely production and deployment of these advanced fighter jets.

GE’s F-404 engines are a critical component of the Tejas MkIA, providing the necessary thrust and performance for this lightweight, multi-role fighter. In 2021, GE signed a contract to deliver 99 F-404 engines to HAL, with a planned delivery schedule of 16 engines per year starting in 2023. However, global supply chain disruptions have impacted GE’s ability to meet this target, leading to a revised delivery plan.

Under the new agreement, GE will increase its engine deliveries to 24 engines per year starting from the 2026-27 fiscal year. This ramp-up is crucial for HAL to meet the production timelines for the additional Tejas MkI fighters that the IAF is set to procure. For the current fiscal year (ending March 2025), GE has committed to delivering 8 engines, which is nearly 50% of the original annual target.

Later this year Nashik Division of the HAL will start manufacturing Tejas Mk1A fighter jets at its facility and HAL plans to expand its annual production rate from current 5 to 8 once deal for 97 more Tejas Mk1A deal is signed with IAF. HAL plans to deliver 24 jets annually from 2026 onwards that will allow IAF One Squadron induction and formation of Second Squadron each year.

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