GE Prepares to Deliver Two F-404 Engines this Month For India's Tejas Production

GE Aerospace is preparing to deliver the first two F-404 engines to India this month, marking a crucial step in accelerating the production of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The US aerospace giant has committed to supplying a total of eight engines by March 2025, providing the necessary power for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to speed up the delivery of Tejas Mk1 Trainer and Mk1A jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

This new phase of deliveries aligns perfectly with HAL’s production schedule. The company has already completed five Tejas Mk1 Trainer aircraft, and three more are expected to be ready by the end of the year. The first batch of these aircraft will soon be ready for the IAF, boosted by the timely arrival of the F-404 engines. By the end of March 2025, HAL aims to complete three more Trainer jets, alongside several Mk1A models, ensuring that India's air defense capabilities continue to grow.

The F-404 engine is integral to the performance of the Tejas LCA, known for its reliability and efficiency in combat aircraft. This engine, developed by GE Aerospace, is a low-bypass turbofan engine that has powered a range of fighter jets worldwide. The F-404 provides thrust levels of around 10,500 pounds and can achieve supersonic speeds with high fuel efficiency. Its design also incorporates advanced cooling systems and materials that enhance durability and operational performance. For HAL, integrating the F-404 engines into the Tejas Trainer and Mk1A variants offers the ability to meet the demanding specifications required by the IAF, especially as they work to replace older Grade B engines in some Trainer models.

HAL has strategically chosen to replace some of these older engines before the final aircraft are delivered to the IAF, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability. The collaboration between HAL and GE Aerospace is a key component in India's push to strengthen its domestic defense manufacturing capabilities, and the timely delivery of the F-404 engines underscores this partnership's success.

With the steady supply of F-404 engines from GE Aerospace, HAL is well-positioned to meet the IAF’s growing demands for the Tejas Mk1A, a crucial element in India’s defense arsenal. This production ramp-up signifies a major milestone in India's indigenous fighter aircraft program, demonstrating the country's determination to reduce reliance on foreign aircraft and boost its domestic defense industry.

As India continues to build its aerospace capabilities, the collaboration between GE and HAL highlights the importance of global partnerships in achieving technological milestones and delivering advanced military solutions. The F-404 engine will play a critical role in this journey, powering India’s future in modern air combat.