Tech Desk: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised for a significant acceleration in its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, as General Electric (GE) Aerospace commits to delivering 12 more F404-IN20 engines by December. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed that four engines will arrive monthly from October through December, a crucial move designed to overcome persistent supply bottlenecks that have continuously delayed the assembly and final handover of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force.

This accelerated supply is vital for HAL, which has already completed approximately 27 to 30 Mk1A airframes. Dozens of these structurally complete aircraft have been stalled on the production line, awaiting engines before they can proceed to final integration, essential engine runs, and flight testing. With the new deliveries, the cumulative engine inventory for HAL will reach 22 units, providing critical momentum to an otherwise congested production pipeline.

While the arrival of new GE F404 engines offers tremendous relief, each unit requires meticulous installation and rigorous ground and flight validation checks. Singh indicated that HAL anticipates delivering an entire squadron of Tejas Mk1A fighters by late 2026 or early 2027, contingent on successfully resolving ongoing radar and software integration hurdles. These engine deliveries stem from a substantial 2021 agreement for 99 F404-IN20 powerplants, now supporting an expanded order for 180 Tejas Mk1A jets, critical for bolstering the IAF’s rapidly declining combat squadron strength. Further, GE Aerospace is establishing an indigenous maintenance, repair, and overhaul depot in India, ensuring long-term serviceability for these crucial engines.