Bengaluru: The wait is finally over for India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A as it gears up to receive its much-awaited powerplant.
The first GE F404 engine, specifically designed for the Tejas Mk1A, is undergoing its final round of testing at GE Aerospace’s facility in Lynn, Massachusetts. This development marks a significant milestone for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), paving the way for the Tejas Mk1A program to progress at full throttle.
The GE F404-IN20 engine, tailored for the Tejas Mk1A with an impressive 84 kN thrust rating, is expected to arrive in India by April 2025. This delivery is set to accelerate production at HAL, providing a major boost to India’s indigenous fighter aircraft fleet.
The delays in engine delivery had raised concerns, with factors such as global supply chain disruptions, high demand from South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae program, and the US Navy’s F/A-18 requirements contributing to the setbacks.
However, through strategic negotiations and diplomatic efforts, the stalemate has been broken. The upcoming deliveries will fulfill India’s 2021 contract for 99 engines, which will power the 83 Tejas Mk1A jets ordered by the IAF.
Before shipment, the GE F404 India is undergoing stringent validation tests to ensure its performance and safety. These tests are being conducted on a dedicated test bed at GE Aerospace’s Lynn facility. Given that the F404 production line had been inactive for years, these exhaustive tests are critical to guaranteeing the engine’s reliability for the Tejas Mk1A.
The GE F404 engine has been a focal point of the Tejas program, and its successful testing and imminent delivery are set to address long-standing concerns. With the first engine cleared for shipment, HAL can now ramp up its assembly efforts to meet the IAF’s urgent operational requirements.
Production of the Tejas Mk1A is already underway at HAL’s Nashik Division, also known as the MiG Complex due to its rich history of manufacturing fighter jets for the IAF. Several Tejas Mk1A airframes, referred to as ‘Tejas Alpha’, are in various stages of production, showcasing HAL’s commitment to timely deliveries.
Meanwhile, Bangalore has been hosting flight trials for three Tejas Alpha jets equipped with GE Cat-B engines. These jets were prominently displayed at the 2025 Plane Carnival’s inaugural ceremony, offering a glimpse into the future of India’s fighter aircraft capabilities. The trials are a precursor to the full-scale deployment of Mk1A jets powered by the new F404 engines.
The rollout of the Tejas Mk1A from Nashik signifies a transformative moment for India’s defense manufacturing sector.
The MiG Complex, which has a legacy of producing iconic platforms like the MiG-21, MiG-29, and Su-30MKI, is now at the forefront of India’s indigenous fighter program. The integration of the GE F404 engine into the Tejas Mk1A will ensure that the aircraft meets its operational timelines, solidifying its position as a key asset in the IAF’s fleet.
As the first GE F404 engine prepares to make its journey to India, this milestone is not just a technological breakthrough but also a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in defense aviation. The Tejas Mk1A, powered by the GE F404 engine, is poised to strengthen India’s air defense capabilities and ge f404 vs kaveri engine reinforce its position as a global leader in aerospace innovation.
