Tejas Mk-1A Programme Gets Boost as GE Aerospace Delivers Three More F404 Engines to HAL

India’s Tejas Mk-1A fighter programme has received a fresh boost with GE Aerospace delivering three additional F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in August 2026. The latest shipment takes the total number of engines supplied for the Tejas Mk-1A programme to 10.

The delivery is important for HAL as it works to increase the production rate of India’s indigenous fighter aircraft. The F404-IN20 engine is a critical component of the Tejas Mk-1A, and delays in engine availability have previously affected the programme’s production schedule.

With additional engines now available, HAL has greater scope to progress aircraft already moving through its manufacturing pipeline. The company is also working to expand its production capacity as India seeks faster induction of indigenous fighter aircraft into the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The Tejas Mk-1A is an upgraded version of the original Tejas Mk-1 and features improvements across avionics, electronic warfare systems, radar and other mission capabilities. The fighter is intended to strengthen the IAF’s combat fleet while supporting India’s broader push for domestic defence manufacturing.

GE Aerospace had to restart production of the F404-IN20 after earlier requirements for the engine were completed. Re-establishing the production and supply chain contributed to delays in providing engines required for the Mk-1A programme. The latest deliveries indicate progress in restoring the flow of propulsion systems to HAL.

The Indian Air Force has ordered Tejas Mk-1A aircraft as part of its efforts to modernise its fighter fleet. For the programme to achieve its planned production rate, however, HAL will require a steady supply of engines alongside other critical components.

Further F404-IN20 deliveries expected in the coming months could therefore play an important role in determining how quickly HAL can increase aircraft output. The company’s ability to synchronise engine availability with its manufacturing capacity will be crucial to maintaining production momentum.

The latest three-engine shipment is a positive development for India’s indigenous fighter programme. If regular engine supplies continue, HAL could gain additional flexibility to accelerate Tejas Mk-1A assembly, testing and eventual induction into the Indian Air Force.