Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has indicated that engine supplies for the HAL Tejas Mk1A fighter program are likely to improve substantially in the months ahead. Speaking during the company’s Q4 FY26 earnings conference call, HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi Kota revealed that six GE F404-IN20 engines have already been received from GE Aerospace, while an additional 15 to 20 engines are expected to arrive before the end of the year.
The development is viewed as a major boost for the Tejas Mk1A program, which has been affected by repeated delays linked to disruptions in engine deliveries from the United States. The Indian Air Force’s ₹46,898 crore order for 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft faced scheduling challenges after global supply chain constraints impacted GE Aerospace’s manufacturing and delivery timelines for the F404-IN20 engines.
HAL stated that the improved engine flow is expected to help stabilise production schedules and gradually increase aircraft assembly activity. Ravi Kota explained that some of the engines already delivered are currently undergoing testing and integration procedures, while others remain in various stages of validation as refinement work on the fighter platform continues.
The expected arrival of up to 20 additional engines by the end of the year is likely to be crucial for scaling up Tejas Mk1A production. Industry observers believe the stronger engine supply pipeline could enable HAL to substantially raise annual production output during FY27 and FY28.
The Indian Air Force continues to monitor the program closely due to the pressing need to strengthen its declining combat squadron numbers. The Tejas Mk1A is expected to play a critical role in the future structure of the IAF’s fighter fleet, particularly as legacy MiG-series aircraft are steadily phased out of service.
