Overview
- HAL confirmed on November 7 an agreement with GE Aerospace for 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines and a support package dedicated to the 97-aircraft LCA Mk1A programme.
- The contract is reported at about $1 billion, following the defence ministry’s September order for 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighters.
- The new purchase raises total F404 engines ordered for Mk1A to 212, combining 99 contracted in 2021 with the latest 113, with several earmarked for testing and spares.
- Deliveries from the 2021 engine order have been delayed, with only four engines received so far and GE attributing shortfalls to parts and supply‑chain issues.
- HAL continues to ramp Tejas production and advance weapons integration trials, while negotiations with GE on joint F414 engine manufacturing with roughly 80% technology transfer remain in progress.