India receives second GE F404-IN20 engine from the USA for LCA Tejas Mk1A programme in July 2025.

In July 2025, India received the second GE F404-IN20 engine from GE Aerospace, United States of America (USA), for its indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A programme. The engine was delivered to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru, and follows the first engine which was delivered earlier in March 2025 under the ongoing defence supply contract.

      - The delivery of this second engine is part of a larger agreement signed in 2021 between India and General Electric (GE) Aerospace, valued at USD 716 million (approximately ₹5,375 crore), to supply 99 GE F404-IN20 engines. These engines are critical to the Indian Air Force’s single-engine LCA Tejas Mk1A jets, designed to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing and aerial combat capabilities.

      - The GE F404-IN20 engine is the most powerful variant in the F404 engine family, tailored specifically for the Indian Air Force’s fighter aircraft programme. It features a high-thrust capability with a strengthened fan, advanced single-crystal turbine blades, and upgraded core components to enhance endurance, fuel efficiency, and operational agility of the aircraft.

      - These engines are being supplied to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. HAL is the lead integrator and manufacturer of the LCA Tejas Mk1A. Under the current phase, HAL is expected to receive 12 GE F404-IN20 engines by the end of the Financial Year 2025–26 (FY26), ensuring a steady supply chain for LCA production.

Main Point :-   (i) HAL plans to scale up its production line and begin manufacturing 30 LCA Mk1A aircraft annually from FY 2026–27. This scale-up will be supported by both public and private industry players under India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” mission, aiming for self-reliance in defence production and reduced dependency on foreign suppliers.

      (ii) The full-scale integration of GE F404-IN20 engines into the Tejas Mk1A fleet will enable the Indian Air Force (IAF) to commence inductions of the aircraft in a phased manner. It marks a major step forward in India’s indigenous fighter aircraft development ecosystem, boosting combat readiness and enhancing India’s aerospace capabilities.

(iii) The engine agreement also includes provisions for after-sales support, technology assistance, and life-cycle maintenance, ensuring HAL can meet the long-term operational requirements of the IAF. This strategic collaboration between GE Aerospace and HAL underlines the growing Indo-US defence partnership.