HAL-GE Agreement to Power Tejas Mk1A Fleet
New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a landmark agreement with US-based aerospace major General Electric (GE) for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines and a comprehensive support package. These engines will power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A fleet under the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s 97-aircraft production program.
According to officials quoted by PTI, the delivery of engines will begin in 2027, and the complete consignment is expected to be handed over to HAL by 2032.
This deal strengthens the longstanding partnership between HAL and GE, underlining India’s efforts to ramp up indigenous production while maintaining strong international collaborations in defence manufacturing.
Defence Ministry’s Rs 62,370 Crore Contract with HAL
In a major push for domestic defence capability, the Ministry of Defence in September finalized a contract worth Rs 62,370 crore with HAL for the procurement of 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets.
The official statement said, “The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, including 68 single-seater fighters and 29 twin-seaters, along with associated equipment, for the Indian Air Force, at a cost of over Rs 62,370 crore (excluding taxes).”
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Developed indigenously, the Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft designed for both offensive and defensive missions. It can undertake a wide range of operations including air superiority, ground attack, and maritime reconnaissance, making it a versatile asset for the IAF.
Continuing Momentum in Indigenous Aircraft Production
This is the second major Tejas-related agreement between the Defence Ministry and HAL. In February 2021, HAL had bagged a Rs 48,000 crore contract for the supply of 83 Tejas Mk1A jets to the Air Force.
“The aircraft will feature an indigenous content of over 64 percent, with 67 new items incorporated beyond those in the earlier contract,” the Defence Ministry stated.
To further advance the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) initiative, the new Tejas variant will also integrate advanced systems developed domestically. These include the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite, and improved control surface actuators all enhancing combat capability and operational efficiency.
Reinforcing India’s Defence Self-Reliance
The latest engine deal and aircraft procurement contracts collectively reinforce India’s strategic focus on modernizing the Air Force with indigenous technology while collaborating with trusted international partners.
Industry observers see this as a significant step toward strengthening India’s air defence capabilities and expanding the country’s footprint in global aerospace manufacturing.
