American engine manufacturer GE Aerospace on Friday delivered the fifth jet engine to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A. India expects to receive 12 GE-404 engines by the end of this financial year.
HAL was scheduled to supply new aircraft from March, but the delay in engine supply from America prolonged the wait. With the resolution of fundamental engine-related issues, hopes have risen for accelerated aircraft production.
In February 2021, India signed a ₹48,000 crore agreement with HAL for 83 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft. This contract included 73 fighter jets and 10 trainer aircraft. The Indian Air Force was expected to receive the first batch in 2024, but GE Aerospace discontinued F-404 engine production during this period.
The Defence Ministry signed a new contract with HAL on September 25 this year for an additional 97 LCA Mark-1A fighter aircraft, comprising 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seat trainers. Deliveries will begin in 2027-28 and complete within six years. HAL will manufacture a total of 180 aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
After a long wait, the company finally delivered the first engine to India on March 26 this year. GE sent the second engine on July 13, followed by the third on September 11 and the fourth on September 30. With four engines received, expectations grew for smoother LCA Mark-1A production and supply.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. DK Sunil said the company is also negotiating 80% technology transfer for GE’s F-414 engines, which will power the advanced LCA Mark-2 and indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). “GE promised 12 engines in a year, but we may receive 12 engines by the financial year-end. We might get 10 engines this year, with the remaining by March next year,” Dr. Sunil stated.
“We have completed the framework for the 10th aircraft and the 11th is ready. With fundamental engine issues resolved, production will now accelerate. GE has promised 20 engines next year, for which we held a meeting with top management,” he added.
(Daily Kiran) / Suneet Nigam
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