Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is eagerly anticipating the arrival of the fourth General Electric (GE) F-404 engine for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A in the near future, according to sources familiar with the matter. The recent delivery of the third engine by HAL marked a significant milestone. HAL stated that the third GE-404 engine for LCA Mk1A had been received, and one more engine is expected to be delivered by the end of September 2025, with the aim of enhancing the supply chain efficiency for LCA Mk1A aircraft deliveries. However, the fourth engine is yet to reach HAL.
Despite the delay in engine deliveries, HAL’s Nashik facility is fully prepared for the inaugural flight of the first Tejas Mk1A scheduled for October. Sources revealed that the first two aircraft are slated for handover to the Indian Air Force (IAF) next month, with one fighter aircraft from Nashik already primed for delivery. As per senior officials, ten aircraft have already been manufactured and tested.
The schedule for delivering the Mk1A has been affected by delays in engine shipments from the United States. HAL is aiming for a consistent monthly inflow of at least two engines starting from October to realign production timelines.
Concurrently, the comprehensive agreement for 113 GE F-404 engines, essential for an additional 97 Tejas Mk1As, has received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Negotiations on costs have been finalized, and only the formal contract signing remains pending, which is expected to take place this month.
While the F-404 engines are crucial for the Mk1A program, HAL has also taken delivery of ten F-414 engines for the more advanced LCA Mk2. In terms of operations, the Tejas Mk1A has successfully completed weapons integration trials, including the firing of Astra and ASRAAM air-to-air missiles. The rollout of the LCA Mk2 is planned for 2027. HAL has committed to delivering 83 Tejas Mk1A fighters to the IAF by 2029, despite a reported delay of four quarters in the program. The additional order for 97 Tejas Mk1As was finalized on September 25, with deliveries scheduled between 2027-28 and 2033-34.
HAL officials affirmed that the production line is stable despite the temporary engine supply challenges. Once regular engine deliveries resume, the pace of Mk1A production will be accelerated to meet the urgent operational requirements of the IAF, particularly crucial following the retirement of the MiG-21 fleet.