Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has finalized a major agreement with US-based General Electric (GE) Aerospace to procure 113 jet engines for its Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme. The contract covers the delivery of F404-GE-IN20 engines and a comprehensive support package for the 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2027 and will be completed by 2032, marking a significant step forward in India’s indigenous fighter aircraft production.
HAL confirmed that it has entered into the agreement with GE Aerospace for the supply and support of engines essential to the execution of the Tejas Mk-1A programme. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has placed two major orders with HAL — the first for 83 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft and the second for 97 more. In September 2024, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹62,370 crore deal with HAL to acquire these additional aircraft for the IAF.
The Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft designed to perform in high-threat air environments. The Tejas Mk-1A, which successfully completed its maiden flight last month, represents an upgraded version of the original Mk-1 model. Both variants are powered by GE Aerospace engines, symbolizing a strong Indo-US collaboration in the defence and aerospace sectors.
