India is making big progress in building its own fighter jets, thanks to new engine deliveries from the United States.
These engines, made by General Electric (GE), are needed for the Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets. After long delays, the delivery of engines has now picked up speed. This is an important step for India’s defence plans and shows stronger cooperation between India and the US.
Tejas Mk-1A Jet Production Gets Fresh Push with New Engine
The United States has delivered more GE F404 engines to India, which are needed for building India’s Tejas Mk-1A Light Combat Aircraft. This marks a big step forward in India’s plan to make its own fighter jets.
As of July 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the second engine, and it’s expecting a total of 12 engines by early 2026.
The deliveries had been delayed for nearly two years because of problems in the supply chain. One major issue was with a South Korean supplier, which held up earlier plans.
Now, things are back on track. According to Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar, GE will deliver two engines each month until March 2026. This schedule is part of a $716 million deal signed in 2021. The contract is for 99 F404-IN20 engines that will power the Tejas Mk-1A jets.
These engines are essential for HAL to build the jets on time. Once the engines arrive, the first new aircraft will be ready within a few months.
The Tejas Mk-1Ais a major upgrade from earlier models. It comes with better electronics, like a new mission computer, digital flight control, smart displays, AESA radar, and an electronic warfare system.
These improvements will help strengthen the Indian Air Force, especially as it prepares to retire the old MiG-21 fighter jets.
The Indian Air Force has already ordered 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets. Another order for 97 more is being considered, with approvals from the defence ministry already in place.
HAL plans to increase its production to 30 aircraft a year by 2026–27. This will be possible thanks to steady engine supplies and more involvement from both government and private companies. The long-term goal is to build up to 352 Tejas aircraft, including both the Mk-1A and the upcoming Mk-2 versions.
The recent progress in engine supply helps fix past delays and shows growing defence cooperation between India and the US.
The partnership is also looking ahead, with talks about sharing technology and possibly building future engines in India for more advanced fighter jets.
Reliable engine deliveries from GE until March 2026 are key not only for the current Tejas jets but also for India’s larger goal of building strong local aerospace capabilities.
