GE Aerospace has begun delivering F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for India’s Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft. The company announced that the first of 99 engines ordered for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A has been delivered, marking a key milestone in its long-standing partnership with HAL. The deliveries come as part of efforts to enhance India’s defense sector by advancing next-generation fighter capabilities while boosting domestic defense manufacturing.
GE Aerospace’s collaboration with India dates back to the 1980s, when it partnered with the Aeronautical Development Agency. The selection of the F404-IN20 engine for the Tejas program in 2004 was a crucial step in the country’s indigenous fighter jet development. The F404 engine family has been one of the most successful in military aviation, powering thousands of combat aircraft worldwide. The F404-IN20 variant, specifically developed for Tejas, delivers the highest thrust in the series, featuring a high-flow fan, advanced single-crystal turbine blades, and specialized components designed for enhanced performance.