Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Friday signed a major contract with US defence firm GE Aerospace to acquire 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines for its Tejas light combat aircraft programme.
The deal, valued at roughly USD 1 billion (around Rs 8,870 crore), will see engine deliveries begin in 2027 and conclude by 2032. It includes an extensive support package for the execution of 97 Tejas Mk1A jets ordered under a Rs 62,370 crore defence ministry contract signed in September.
The Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role fighter capable of air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions. HAL is also using the GE engines for another batch of Mk1A jets. Earlier, in February 2021, the ministry had approved a Rs 48,000 crore procurement of 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft.
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Delays in deliveries have been primarily attributed to GE Aerospace missing several supply deadlines. The contract comes at a time when India-US relations have faced strains, including tariffs on Indian goods under the Trump administration.
The Indian Air Force is keen to induct the aircraft promptly, as the number of fighter squadrons has dropped to 31 from the sanctioned 42, heightening the urgency for new jet induction.
Officials said the deal underlines India’s commitment to enhancing indigenous defence manufacturing while relying on strategic foreign partnerships to meet operational requirements. The F404-GE-IN20 engines are critical to enabling the Tejas to perform in high-threat air environments and fulfil multi-role missions for national defence.
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