GE Aerospace has confirmed that three additional F404 engines were shipped to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in August. The company, which has established a dedicated production line to fulfil HAL’s F404 engine order, is working to deliver 20 engines by the end of 2026, followed by another 10 before the end of March 2027.
According to sources cited by idrw.org, GE has so far shipped 10 F404 engines, including deliveries made in August, July, and earlier this year. HAL has already produced 30 Tejas Mk1A airframes and approximately 12 Tejas Mk1 trainer airframes. These aircraft have undergone flight testing and are awaiting additional engines and clearance from the Indian Air Force before deliveries can begin.
GE has committed to increasing annual production to 30 engines from FY 2027 onwards. Since the US fiscal year begins in January rather than April, GE is reportedly accelerating production to deliver another seven to eight engines by the end of 2026. If achieved, this would bring the total number of engines supplied during the year to approximately 15.
The Tejas Mk1A is powered by the F404-GE-IN20 afterburning turbofan engine, which delivers up to 84 kN of thrust, making it the highest-thrust variant in the F404 family. Following the placement of an order for 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft in 2021, GE faced difficulties in restoring the engine supply chain after production disruptions during the post-COVID period.
The company was required to appoint new outsourcing partners and establish a dedicated manufacturing line to meet HAL’s requirements. The demand has increased further after the Indian Air Force placed an order for 97 additional Tejas Mk1A aircraft, including trainer variants.
GE is already facing financial penalties linked to delays in supplying engines to HAL. The company is therefore under pressure to meet its committed delivery schedule and avoid further delays that could result in additional penalties.
