HAL orders GE engines for LCA Mk1A

Photo: HAL

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and GE Aerospace announced on 7 November 2025 an agreement for the supply of 113 units of the F404-GE-IN20 jet engine along with a support package, to support the execution of the 97-aircraft LCA Mk1A (Light Combat Aircraft Mark 1A) programme. The deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2032.

The Mark 1A contract was signed in September 2025. The engine deal follows a previous contract in 2021 under which HAL ordered 99 F404-GE-IN20 engines for the LCA Mk1A.

In the announcement, GE Aerospace said the additional engines reflect the “proven performance” of the F404 engine and it looks forward to continuing the partnership with HAL and the Indian Air Force (IAF). HAL stated the engines and support package will serve the 97-aircraft Mark 1A programme.

Context for the deal includes earlier delays in engine deliveries. GE had resumed deliveries of the F404-GE-IN20 engine in 2025 after its production line had been dormant for several years. The IAF and HAL had flagged the urgency of stable engine supply in order to meet targets of producing 16 to 24 LCA Mk1A aircraft annually.

The new engine contract is aligned with India’s broader indigenous fighter-jet production push, though the engines themselves are imported and form part of the supply chain underpinning HAL’s production ramp-up. The deal also complements ongoing negotiations between HAL and GE regarding future high-thrust engines (F414 class) for the next-generation LCA Mk2.

With the delivery schedule set for 2027-2032, HAL will need to align its manufacturing lines and integration work to match the engine supply timeline and the aircraft production schedule.