HAL set to get supplies of GE F-404 Engines for TEJAS Jets from March 2025
HAL had promised to hand over the first TEJAS MK-1A aircraft to IAF by March 31, 2024.
However, due to USA engine delivery delays, HAL has now pushed this date to March 2025 with plans to deliver two aircrafts. 16 more aircrafts will be delivered in the financial year 2025-26.
HAL is enhancing its production capabilities and aims to manufacture 24 TEJAS aircraft annually, up from the current 16. This expansion which is crucial to meet the demand for the TEJAS MK-1A series, which is a priority for the Indian Air Force amid rising regional tensions needs to be increased to 40 perannum.
The overall completion of the order for 83 aircraft, originally expected by 2028-29, is now under scrutiny due to the engine delays. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has expressed scepticism about HAL meeting these deadlines.
However by streamlining things it can deliver 24 aircrafts in 26-27 and 40 aircrafts in 27 -28, 28-29 and 29-30.
While HAL is making efforts to face these challenges through increased production capacity and private sector collaboration, the ongoing delays in engine deliveries are likely to hinder the overall timeline and effectiveness of the TEJAS fighter jet program.
The supply of General Electric’s F-404 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft is set to begin only by end of November 24.
This timeline has been confirmed though previous timeline for deliveries to start was in 2023. The delay is attributed to supply chain issues faced by GE, which has been grappling with global delivery challenges affecting its jet engine production.
The INR 6000 Crores contract, signed in August 2021, involves the delivery of 99 F404 engines intended for the TEJAS MK-1A fighter aircraft.
The initial plan was to have these engines supplied well ahead of the current schedule. The Indian government now plans to impose penalties on GE due to these significant delays.
Reports indicate that multiple penalties have already been levied against the company as a result of its failure to meet delivery timelines.
The delays in engine supply raises problems for IAF defence strategy, particularly as it seeks to bolster its air combat capabilities amidst ongoing tensions with China.
The situation has drawn attention from high-level officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who have addressed these concerns during visits to the United States
Currently, HAL is using reserve engines (Category B) from previous contracts for testing and initial flights, which highlights the urgency of receiving the new F-404 engines to maintain production momentum.
HAL has ramped up its production capacity with a new line in Nashik, aiming to produce up to 24 aircraft annually. However, this capacity hinges on timely engine deliveries from GE Aerospa
To mitigate delays, HAL is involving private companies in manufacturing major assemblies of the TEJAS MK-1A, which could help alleviate production bottlenecks caused by engine shortages.
