HAL receives fifth F404-IN20 engine from GE Aerospace for Tejas Mk1A fleet

GE Aerospace has delivered the fifth F404-IN20 engine to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A programme.

A company spokesperson said the delivery is part of an order placed in 2021, adding that GE Aerospace and HAL are working closely to maintain the engine production schedule.

This follows the delivery of the fourth F404-IN20 engine to HAL in October 2025 under the same order. The F404-IN20 engines will power the LCA Mk1A fleet being manufactured by HAL.

HAL has signed an agreement with GE Aerospace to supply 113 F404-IN20 engines and a support package for the 97-aircraft LCA Mk1A programme. The company stated that the contract was signed on 7 November 2025, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2032. HAL signed the main contract for the 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft in September 2025.

In October, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the third production line for the LCA Tejas Mk1A and the second production line for the HTT-40 trainer aircraft at HAL’s Nashik facility, expanding manufacturing capacity.

Last month, GE Aerospace announced a $14 million investment to expand capacity at its Pune manufacturing facility. This follows a $30 million commitment made last year. The new investment will upgrade manufacturing processes and automation, including improvements for advanced engine components.