What happened?
India received the second GE F404 engine from US defence firm GE Aerospace on July 14, 2025 boosting momentum in the production of the indigenously built Tejas Mk 1A fighter jets. The engine, now at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru, will be integrated into one of 12 Tejas aircraft slated for delivery by the end of 2025. Six jets are already in advanced stages of production. GE is on track to deliver 10 engines this year, enabling steady progress in the rollout schedule.
Why it matters to India
The Tejas Mk 1A represents a significant leap in India’s indigenous defence capabilities, with enhancements including AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, and integration of both Derby and India’s own ASTRA beyond-visual-range missiles. With 83 Mk 1A jets already ordered and a proposal for 97 more in progress, the program is central to modernizing the Indian Air Force. Despite earlier global supply chain disruptions, India is back on course to meet its annual production target. The Defence Ministry and HAL are committed to delivering next-generation fighters on schedule, with strong support from international partners like GE.