HAL finally receives first U.S.-made F404 engines for the Indian Air Force’s new LCA Tejas Mk1A fighters

Defence affairs - HAL sources

After a long period of obstacles in acquiring U.S.-manufactured F404 engines, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has confirmed the reception of the second unit, allowing it to begin equipping the new LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, which will be operated by the Indian Air Force. 

This marks a significant step forward in fulfilling the agreed delivery of a dozen engines, expected to be completed by the end of the current fiscal year.

It is worth noting that the LCA Tejas Mk1A fighters represent a more advanced variant of the original Tejas model, featuring enhancements such as the new Uttam AESA and EL/M-2052 radars, a new electronic self-protection jamming system, and radar warning receivers, among other avionics improvements. These upgrades were sufficient for the Indian Air Force to move forward with an order of 83 aircraft to strengthen its fleet. Currently, local media report that a potential expansion is being negotiated for an additional 97 aircraft to accelerate the replacement of the remaining MiG-21s.

In this regard, it’s important to recall that the state-owned HAL signed a contract in February 2021 to procure an initial batch of 99 U.S.-origin F404 engines, a deal valued at approximately USD 716 million. At the time, the fighter jet manufacturer expected to begin receiving engines in 2023, with a projected delivery rate of 16 units per year. However, this schedule has not been met, mainly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global supply chains.