GE Aerospace Delivers First F404-IN20 Engines to HAL for Tejas Mk 1A, Strengthening India’s Defense Capabilities

March 26, 2025 – In a significant milestone for India’s defense sector, GE Aerospace has successfully delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk 1A fighter jet. The delivery, which took place on Tuesday, March 25, marks a pivotal moment in the 40-year partnership between GE Aerospace and HAL, further solidifying their commitment to advancing India’s military aviation capabilities.

Shawn Warren, General Manager of Combat & Trainer Engines at GE Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm about the achievement, stating, “On Tuesday (March 25), we were excited to deliver the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to our valued customer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A fighter jet. It is an important milestone in our 40-year relationship with HAL and in our efforts to ensure a strong future for India’s military by developing the next-generation fighters while enhancing the country’s defense manufacturing capabilities.”

The F404-IN20 engine, a variant of GE’s proven F404 family, is designed to power the Tejas Mk 1A, an advanced version of India’s indigenous light combat aircraft. The Tejas program, spearheaded by HAL, is a cornerstone of India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the "Make in India" initiative. The delivery of these engines is a critical step in ensuring the Indian Air Force (IAF) can meet its operational requirements with a modern, capable fleet.

The partnership between GE Aerospace and HAL dates back four decades, during which GE has supplied engines for various iterations of the Tejas program. The F404-IN20 engines are part of a larger agreement to support the IAF’s order of 83 Tejas Mk 1A aircraft. This delivery follows years of collaboration, including a 2021 contract worth over $716 million for the supply of F404 engines, and a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to co-produce the more advanced F414 engines for the Tejas Mk 2 program.

The F404-IN20 engine is renowned for its reliability, performance, and ease of maintenance, making it an ideal choice for the Tejas Mk 1A. With a thrust rating of approximately 19,000 pounds (84 kN), the engine provides the necessary power to enhance the aircraft’s agility and combat capabilities, enabling it to perform a wide range of missions, from air defense to ground attack.

This delivery also underscores GE Aerospace’s broader commitment to India’s defense ecosystem. Beyond supplying engines, GE has been actively involved in technology transfer initiatives and supporting local manufacturing. The 2023 MOU with HAL for the F414 engine, for instance, includes plans for 80% technology transfer, allowing HAL to produce these engines domestically—a move that will significantly boost India’s defense industrial base.

The Tejas Mk 1A program has faced challenges in the past, including delays in engine deliveries and production timelines. However, this milestone signals a positive step forward, ensuring that HAL can ramp up production to meet the IAF’s delivery schedules. The IAF has already begun integrating the Tejas Mk 1 into its squadrons, and the Mk 1A variant, with its improved avionics, radar, and weapon systems, is expected to further enhance the force’s operational readiness.

Industry experts view this development as a testament to the growing synergy between global defense giants like GE Aerospace and India’s domestic industry. By delivering the F404-IN20 engines on schedule, GE Aerospace is not only fulfilling its contractual obligations but also contributing to India’s vision of becoming a global hub for defense manufacturing.

As India continues to modernize its air force and expand its indigenous defense capabilities, the collaboration between GE Aerospace and HAL is poised to play a crucial role. With plans for the Tejas Mk 2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) on the horizon, both powered by GE engines, the partnership is set to shape the future of India’s military aviation for decades to come.

This delivery of the F404-IN20 engines is more than just a transaction—it’s a symbol of trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to strengthening India’s defense preparedness. As Shawn Warren aptly noted, it’s about “ensuring a strong future for India’s military” while empowering the nation to build the next generation of fighters. For HAL, the IAF, and the broader Indian defense sector, this milestone is a promising step toward achieving that vision.