HAL Secures $1 Billion GE Aerospace Engine Deal for Tejas Mk1A Fighter Jets

New Delhi, India – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced on Friday, November 7, 2025, the signing of a major agreement with US-based GE Aerospace for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines. This deal, estimated to be worth approximately $1 billion (around ₹8,870 crore), is crucial for powering 97 Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) intended for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The procurement aims to significantly enhance India's air defense capabilities and support the modernization of its fighter fleet. Deliveries of the engines are scheduled to commence in 2027 and are expected to be completed by 2032.

Strategic Acquisition for India's Air Force

This engine deal follows the Defence Ministry's ₹62,370 crore contract with HAL in September 2025 for the acquisition of 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. The Tejas Mk1A variant is vital for the IAF, which is working to replenish its depleting fighter squadrons and replace aging aircraft, including the venerable MiG-21s. The Tejas Mk1A is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft designed for air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions, capable of operating in high-threat air environments.

Addressing Previous Delays and Boosting Indigenous Manufacturing

The rollout of the Tejas fighter program has previously faced delays, primarily due to slow engine deliveries from GE Aerospace. An earlier order for 83 Tejas Mk1A jets, signed in February 2021 for ₹48,000 crore, experienced setbacks, with only four F404 engines delivered so far from a previous order of 99. GE Aerospace attributed these delays to post-COVID-19 supply chain disruptions.

The current agreement aims to streamline the supply chain and ensure timely delivery for the new batch of aircraft. The Tejas Mk1A represents a significant step forward in India's indigenous defense manufacturing, featuring substantial upgrades over its predecessor. These improvements include:

• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar
• Improved cockpit displays
• Modern mission computer
• Advanced electronic warfare systems
• In-flight refueling probe capability

The Mk1A variant boasts an indigenous content of 60-65%, a notable increase from the approximately 50% in the original Tejas.

Tejas Program Milestones

The Tejas Mk1A recently achieved a key milestone with its maiden flight on October 17, 2025, in Nashik, Maharashtra. This event was witnessed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who also inaugurated HAL's third production line for the aircraft, signaling an increased manufacturing capacity. With this new deal, the total number of Tejas Mk1A aircraft ordered by the IAF now stands at 180 (83 from the 2021 order and 97 from the latest contract).