The first engine to power the LCA-Mk1A moved out of the GE facility on 25th March and is expected to arrive in India in April. Shawn Warren, general manager, combat & trainer engines, GE Aerospace said ‘This is an important milestone in our 40-year relationship with HAL and in our efforts to ensure a strong future for India’s military by developing next-generation fighters while enhancing the country’s defence manufacturing capabilities.’

The Tejas Mk1A, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by HAL is an advanced variant of the single-engine, multirole combat aircraft. It was prominently displayed at the Aero India 2025 airshow in Bengaluru last month. At Aero India, D.K. Sunil, HAL Chairman and Managing Director said GE’s supply chain issues had been resolved and the IAF would receive 12 F-404 engines for the LCA-Mk1A this year. 

Source: thehindubusinessline

The long-awaited engines, part of a $716 million contract signed in 2021, which had hindered HAL's production timeline and the IAF's fleet expansion plans arrived after a two-year delay. 

The F404 engine family is one of the most successful in military aviation history, powering thousands of combat aircraft worldwide. The F404-IN20 engine is a tailored design for India’s single-engine fighter with the highest thrust within the F404 family and a higher-flow fan, unique single-crystal turbine blades and numerous special components. GE Aerospace and Tejas teams have collaborated closely for several years to customise it for the needs of Indian Air Force.