Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has stated that the supply situation for the GE F404-IN20 engines powering the HAL Tejas Mk1A fighter jet is expected to improve considerably in the coming months. During the company’s Q4 FY26 conference call, HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi Kota confirmed that six F404 engines have already been delivered by GE Aerospace, with another 15 to 20 engines expected by the end of the year.
The update represents a significant development for the Tejas Mk1A program, which has experienced prolonged delays due to disruptions in engine deliveries from the United States. The Indian Air Force’s ₹46,898 crore contract for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets had come under schedule pressure after global supply chain challenges affected GE Aerospace’s production timelines for the F404-IN20 engines.
According to HAL, the arrival of additional engines over the next several months is expected to stabilise manufacturing operations and gradually accelerate aircraft assembly activities. Ravi Kota noted that some of the engines already received are currently undergoing testing and integration, while others remain in validation stages as HAL continues refinement work on the Tejas Mk1A platform.
The anticipated delivery of 15 to 20 additional engines by year-end is expected to play a major role in enabling HAL to increase Tejas Mk1A production rates. Defence industry analysts believe the strengthened engine supply pipeline could allow the company to significantly ramp up fighter aircraft output during FY27 and FY28.
The Indian Air Force is closely monitoring the program due to the urgent requirement to rebuild declining fighter squadron strength levels. The Tejas Mk1A is expected to become one of the central pillars of the IAF’s future combat fleet as older MiG-series aircraft continue to retire from frontline service.
