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HAL Receives Three GE Engines as Tejas Production Delays Persist
HAL is building fighter planes called Tejas Mk1A for India.
Each plane needs an F404-IN20 engine made by GE Aerospace.
GE recently sent three more engines to HAL in August 2026.
This helps HAL continue making the planes.
However, earlier engine deliveries were slower than needed.
HAL says its factories are ready, but it cannot finish and deliver all aircraft without the engines.
GE has agreed to provide 99 engines for the programme.
The contract can require GE to pay damages if engine deliveries are late.
GE Aerospace shipped three F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in August 2026.
Engine availability has constrained production and deliveries of India’s Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft.
GE is contracted to supply 99 engines under a 2021 deal worth about Rs 5,375 crore.
The Indian Air Force has ordered 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft from HAL.
GE restarted F404-IN20 production after a five-year shutdown following HAL’s additional engine order.
- Who
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, GE Aerospace, and the Indian Air Force are involved.
- What
- GE Aerospace shipped three F404-IN20 engines for HAL’s Tejas Mk1A fighter programme.
- Where
- The engines were shipped to HAL in India.
- When
- The three engines were shipped in August 2026; the supply agreement was signed in 2021.
- Why
- Engine availability is needed to increase Tejas Mk1A production and complete aircraft deliveries.
Production and delivery concerns
Supply and delivery assurances
Cause of programme delays
Production and delivery concerns
HAL has said its production facilities are ready, but engine shortages have limited the completion and delivery of Tejas Mk1A aircraft.
Supply and delivery assurances
GE Aerospace has resumed F404-IN20 production and shipped three additional engines, while previously indicating it expected to deliver engines during the second half of 2026.
Responsibility for delays
Production and delivery concerns
HAL officials said late engine deliveries can trigger liquidated damages under the existing contract.
Supply and delivery assurances
GE has described its partnership with HAL and the Indian Air Force positively and has restarted production after HAL placed the additional 99-engine order.
Key facts
- Engines shipped
- Three F404-IN20 engines were shipped to HAL in August 2026.
- GE contract
- GE Aerospace is contracted to supply 99 engines.
- Contract value
- The 2021 agreement is worth about Rs 5,375 crore.
- Aircraft order
- The Indian Air Force has ordered 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft from HAL.
- Earlier deliveries
- GE had supplied 65 F404-IN20 engines by 2016.
- Production restart
- GE restarted F404-IN20 production after a five-year shutdown.
- Contractual consequence
- HAL officials said the contract provides for liquidated damages if engine deliveries are delayed.
Quotes
HAL officials
Officials of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
“The contract includes a provision stating that if there is a delay in the delivery of F-404 engines for the Light Combat Aircraft, liquidated damages will be imposed on GE Aviation.”
firstpost.com
“We are proud to partner with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian Air Force to power India’s indigenous fighter jets.”
firstpost.com
DK Sunil
Former chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
“We have five engines, the sixth engine is ready now. It will be picked up shortly.”
firstpost.com
Sources
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