Second Engine Delivery to HAL
GE-F404 Engine Boosts LCA Tejas Mk-1A Fleet Expansion: India has received the second GE-F404 engine from the United States in July 2025. This delivery supports the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A programme aimed at strengthening indigenous air capabilities. The engine was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which is responsible for the jet assembly.
Order and Procurement Status
In August 2021, HAL placed a ₹5,375 crore order for 99 GE-F404 engines with GE Aerospace. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has committed to 83 LCA Mk-1A aircraft initially and recently cleared an additional 97 jets, raising the total to 180 aircraft. The expanded procurement is valued at ₹67,000 crore and approved by the Defence Ministry.
Static GK fact: The GE-F404 engine is a proven turbofan engine that powers several international aircraft, including the US Navy’s F/A-18 Hornet.
Production and Integration
The engine integration timeline per aircraft is roughly one month. It includes fuselage assembly, installation of piping and landing gear, followed by engine fitting. HAL then performs ground trials and high-speed tests. Production is targeted at 16 jets annually, dependent on timely engine supply.
Static GK Tip: HAL was founded in 1940 and remains one of Asia’s largest aerospace companies, with its headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Upgraded Combat Features
The LCA Mk-1A showcases several modern upgrades. These include Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a jammer-equipped electronic warfare suite, and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile compatibility. It is designed to integrate the ASTRA missile, India’s indigenous air-to-air missile, along with Derby missiles.
Static GK Tip: The ASTRA missile has a strike range of up to 110 km, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Strategic Significance
With ageing aircraft like the MiG-21 being retired, the LCA Mk-1A is key to maintaining IAF squadron strength. The programme faced over a year’s delay due to global supply chain issues. In response, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has held talks with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to accelerate engine deliveries and deepen India-US defence ties.
Static GK fact: The Indian Air Force was established on October 8, 1932, and currently operates over 1,500 aircraft.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
GE-F404 Engine Boosts LCA Tejas Mk-1A Fleet Expansion:
| Topic | Detail |
| Engine Name | GE-F404 turbofan |
| Received By | Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
| Number of Engines Ordered | 99 |
| Contract Value | ₹5,375 crore |
| LCA Mk-1A Jets Ordered | 83 initially, 97 more approved |
| Total Contract Value | ₹67,000 crore |
| Annual Jet Production Target | 16 jets |
| Key Upgrades | AESA radar, EW suite, ASTRA integration |
| Strategic Partner | United States (GE Aerospace) |
| Defence Minister | Rajnath Singh |
