India Signs Deal for 113 US Engines to Boost Tejas Fighter Fleet

India Secures US Engines for Tejas Mk1A Fighter Fleet

In a significant move to bolster its aerial combat capabilities, India has finalized a major agreement with the United States for the procurement of engines to power its indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The deal, signed between India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and American conglomerate General Electric (GE) Aerospace, underscores a critical step in the modernization of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This procurement is not just about hardware; it represents a crucial component of India’s broader strategy to enhance its self-reliance in defense manufacturing while replacing an aging fleet of Soviet-era aircraft.

The Tejas program has long been the centerpiece of India’s ambition to develop a homegrown fighter jet capable of operating in complex, high-threat environments. The Military-Aircraft is designed for a multitude of roles, including air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and ground attack missions. While the airframe and many of its critical systems are developed domestically, the engine remains a key piece of imported technology. This latest agreement with GE ensures a steady supply of power plants for the next wave of Tejas fighters, specifically the advanced Mk1A variant, which is slated to become a workhorse for the IAF in the coming years.

The Nuts and Bolts of the Agreement

The Contracts formalizes the acquisition of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines, along with a comprehensive support package. These power plants are specifically designated for the Tejas LCA Mk1A fighters, an upgraded version of the aircraft featuring enhanced Avionics and weapon systems. This engine deal is an integral part of a much larger initiative by the Indian government to expand its Tejas fleet. In September 2025, the Defence Ministry greenlit the purchase of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets from HAL, a program valued at Rs 62,370 crore.

While the precise financial details of the engine contract itself have been described as a “billion-dollar deal,” it is a follow-on to a previous order. In August 2021, HAL had already signed a $716 million deal with GE for 99 F404 engines to equip the initial batch of 83 Mk1A jets. The new agreement for 113 engines will cover the subsequent batch of 97 aircraft, bringing the total number of Mk1A fighters on order to 180. This sustained procurement highlights the IAF’s growing confidence in the Tejas platform as it moves to build up its squadron strength.

The delivery schedule for the newly ordered engines is set to begin in 2027, with completion expected by 2032. This timeline is critical for HAL, which is ramping up its Manufacturing capabilities to meet the IAF’s demands. The state-owned manufacturer plans to establish three production lines, two in Bengaluru and one in Nashik, to achieve an annual output of 24 Tejas jets. This industrial scale-up is essential to ensure that the airframes are ready as the GE engines arrive, preventing bottlenecks in the aircraft’s induction into service.

The Tejas LCA Mk1A is projected to feature approximately 70% indigenous content, integrating advanced domestic systems like the UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar and the Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite.

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook

This engine deal carries weight beyond its immediate military application. It is a clear indicator of the strengthening defense and strategic Partnerships between India and the United States. As India seeks to counter the growing military capabilities of its neighbors, particularly China, such collaborations with Western partners have become increasingly important. The reliable supply of American-made engines for a frontline Indian fighter jet solidifies a technological and logistical interdependence that serves the strategic interests of both nations.

However, the path has not been without its challenges. The rollout of the Tejas fighters has previously faced delays attributed to a slow delivery pace from GE on the 2021 engine order. As of early November 2025, only four of the 99 engines from that deal had been delivered. Officials at HAL have since stated that these supply chain issues have been addressed, with an expectation of receiving two engines per month going forward, a crucial factor for maintaining the production schedule. This resolution is vital for the IAF’s operational readiness and its ability to phase out older aircraft in a timely manner.

Looking ahead, this F404 engine deal may be a precursor to an even deeper collaboration. Discussions are already underway between HAL and GE for a landmark agreement to manufacture the more powerful F414 engines in India. This future deal, valued at over $1.5 billion, would involve a significant transfer of technology, reportedly over 80%, and is intended for the next-generation Tejas Mk2 fighters. Such an arrangement would be a monumental leap for India’s “Make in India” initiative, providing its domestic aerospace industry with the capability to produce cutting-edge jet engine technology on its own soil.

Conclusion: Powering India’s Aerial Future

The finalization of the deal for 113 GE F404 engines is a pragmatic and essential step in the evolution of the Tejas program. It provides the necessary propulsion for the expanded fleet of Mk1A fighters, ensuring that the Indian Air Force can continue its modernization trajectory and maintain a credible deterrent. The agreement directly addresses the immediate needs of the IAF by securing the power plants for nearly 100 new aircraft, which are vital for arresting the decline in its fighter squadron numbers.

Beyond the hardware, this procurement reinforces the strategic alignment between India and the United States and sets the stage for future, more ambitious collaborations in defense manufacturing. The potential for co-producing the next-generation F414 engine in India represents a transformative opportunity for the nation’s aerospace ecosystem. If realized, it would not only power the more advanced Tejas Mk2 but also significantly boost India’s long-term goal of achieving true self-reliance in the critical and complex field of military aviation technology.

FAQ

Question: What exactly did the new deal between India’s HAL and US’s GE entail?
Answer: The deal is for the procurement of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines and a support package to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A variant for the Indian Air Force.

Question: How many Tejas Mk1A aircraft will these engines be for?
Answer: These 113 engines are intended for the 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft that HAL is manufacturing for the Indian Air Force, following a contract signed in September 2025.

Question: What is the delivery timeline for these engines?
Answer: The Delivery of the 113 engines is scheduled to start in 2027 and is expected to be completed by 2032.

Question: Is this the first time India has bought these engines from GE?
Answer: No, in August 2021, HAL signed a $716 million deal with GE for 99 F404-GE-IN20 engines for the first batch of Tejas Mk1A jets.

Question: Are there plans for future engine collaborations between HAL and GE?
Answer: Yes, there are ongoing negotiations for a larger agreement to manufacture the more powerful F414 engines in India under a technology transfer agreement. This is for the next-generation Tejas Mk2 fighters.

Sources: Reuters