HAL Receives Seventh GE F404-IN20 Engine for Tejas Mk1A; Sixth Engine Cleared After Rectification – Indian PSU
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the seventh GE F404-IN20 engine from GE Aerospace for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A programme, providing a significant boost to the production of India’s indigenous fighter aircraft. The development comes after the sixth engine, which had developed a minor technical issue during post-delivery inspections, was successfully rectified and cleared for operational use.
According to reports, the sixth engine had developed a minor snag during HAL’s routine quality inspection after arriving in India. GE Aerospace carried out the necessary corrective measures, following which HAL completed its verification process and certified the engine as fully operational.
The arrival of the seventh engine is expected to help HAL accelerate production and testing of the Tejas Mk1A, a programme that has witnessed delays of more than two years, primarily due to late engine deliveries and integration-related challenges.
The GE F404-IN20 is the powerplant that equips the Tejas Mk1A and is supplied under a contract for 99 engines signed between HAL and GE Aerospace. The steady flow of engine deliveries is considered critical for meeting the Indian Air Force’s induction schedule for the fighter aircraft.
HAL has also incorporated several modifications sought by the Indian Air Force on the Mk1A platform. Subject to the successful completion of integration, certification and acceptance procedures, the first batch of Tejas Mk1A aircraft is expected to be delivered later this year.
The Tejas Mk1A is an advanced version of India’s indigenous light combat aircraft and features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, enhanced electronic warfare systems, improved weapon capability, and better maintainability. The Indian Air Force has already placed an order for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighters, making the programme a key pillar of India’s efforts to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and modernise its combat fleet.
