India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A is set for a significant boost with the delivery of the fourth advanced GE F404-IN20 engine from US-based GE Aerospace to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This engine powers the upgraded Tejas fleet, enhancing performance and combat capabilities, and enabling accelerated aircraft production for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The F404-IN20 is the highest thrust variant in the F404 engine family, delivering up to 19,000 lbf of afterburner thrust. It features the latest material and technology enhancements, including a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system, axial compressors, and advanced turbine blades, all optimizing performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency.
HAL has secured a contract to acquire 99 of these engines worth around $716 million (₹6,000 crore), signed in 2021, with deliveries expected to complete by March 2026. The receipt of 12 engines this financial year will facilitate flight testing and production of the initial batch of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets ordered by the IAF, with an additional proposal for 97 more jets nearing approval.
Production capacity is planned to scale up significantly from 2026-27, targeting an output of 30 aircraft annually through collaboration between public and private sector partners.
The Tejas Mk-1A variant includes over 40 enhancements over its predecessor, such as advanced avionics with AESA radar, improved electronic warfare systems, enhanced flight control computers, and expanded weapon load capacity. These upgrades, combined with the powerful F404-IN20 engine, provide the Indian Air Force with a versatile, high-performance multirole fighter capable of supersonic speeds and advanced missions.
This progress marks a key milestone in India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, strengthening indigenous defense manufacturing and boosting national security preparedness with homegrown technology and production capabilities.
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