SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
General Electric (GE) is poised to secure a substantial order for 120 F404-GE-IN20 engines as the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepare to finalize a deal for the supply of more than 100 LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, expected to be signed next year. This development follows HAL’s 2021 contract with GE Aviation, valued at $716 million, for 99 F404 engines to power 73 LCA-Tejas Mk1A and 10 Tejas Mk1A Trainer aircraft.
To date, 75 F404 engines have been delivered, and an additional 99, also valued at $716 million, are on order for the Tejas Mark 1. GE Aviation is set to commence deliveries of the first batch of F404-GE-IN20 engines later this year, with ongoing deliveries coinciding with the production of LCA-Tejas Mk1A jets.
The journey began in 2004 when HAL initially ordered 17 F404-GE-IN20 engines to power a limited series of operational production aircraft and naval prototypes. In 2007, an additional 24 F404-GE-IN20 afterburning engines were procured to equip the first operational squadron of Tejas fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
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