New DelhI: American defence firm GE Aerospace has delivered another F404-IN20 engine to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for India’s Tejas light combat aircraft programme, officials confirmed on Wednesday. This follows the previous delivery of an engine to HAL about three weeks ago, with the latest unit handed over on September 30.
HAL is expected to deliver two Tejas MK-1A jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the coming weeks, bolstering the service’s fighter fleet.
The Rs 48,000-crore deal, signed in February 2021, covers the procurement of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF. The induction of these jets is especially critical as the IAF’s fighter squadron strength has fallen to 31 from the sanctioned 42.
The Tejas MK-1A is a single-engine, multi-role fighter capable of operating in high-threat air environments. It is designed for air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions, making it a versatile addition to India’s indigenous combat aircraft programme.
GE Aerospace had previously faced delays in supplying engines for the project, but the recent deliveries signal progress in meeting HAL’s requirements for the Tejas MK-1A fleet.
