GE Aerospace ships four additional engines for India's Tejas Mk-1A fighter program

GE Aerospace announced that it dispatched four additional F404-IN20 engines in September 2026, bringing its cumulative supply for the LCA Mk-1A program to fourteen units. These engines complement the ten already delivered to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which is assembling the indigenous Tejas fighter for the Indian Air Force. The Mk-1A, delayed by engine shortages and certification hurdles, is now slated to be inducted by year-end, replacing retired MiG-21s. The IAF has placed two contracts for a total of 180 aircraft, valued at roughly ₹1.1 lakh crore, with deliveries from the first contract expected to begin in December.

HAL can produce 24 fighters annually at its Bengaluru and Nashik facilities and aims to fulfill the 2021 order within three to four years. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh warned that delays are straining the force and emphasized the need for up to 40 new jets a year to maintain combat capability.