HAL receives seventh GE engine amid push to speed up Tejas Mk1A deliveries

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the seventh GE F404-IN20 engine from US-based GE Aerospace for the Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft, even as the sixth engine, which had developed a minor technical issue after arriving in India, has now been cleared for operational use following rectification.

Sources told India Today that the sixth engine has become fully operational after GE Aerospace carried out corrective measures and HAL completed its own verification checks, clearing the powerplant for use.

The sixth GE F404-IN20 engine had developed a minor technical snag during routine post-delivery quality inspections after reaching India earlier this year.

HAL had raised the issue with GE Aerospace, following which the manufacturer carried out the necessary rectification. The engine subsequently underwent verification by HAL, which confirmed that it is fit for operational use.

In another boost for the programme, HAL has now received the seventh GE F404-IN20 engine, allowing aircraft production and testing activities to continue.

TEJAS MK1A PROGRAMME RECOVERING FROM DELAYS

The latest development comes as the Tejas Mk1A programme continues to recover from delays caused largely by the late delivery of engines from GE Aerospace, along with integration and certification challenges.

The GE F404-IN20 engines are being supplied under a 5,375-crore contract signed in 2021 for the delivery of 99 engines to power the Tejas Mk1A fleet.

With the seventh engine now delivered, HAL continues to push ahead with aircraft production and testing.

DELIVERIES REMAIN UNDER WATCH

The Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force continue to closely monitor the Tejas Mk1A programme, which remains more than two years behind schedule.

Sources had earlier told India Today that the Ministry of Defence has cautioned HAL over contractual delays and informed the company that financial penalty provisions under the contract could be invoked if delivery timelines continue to slip. Discussions on the matter are ongoing.

At the same time, HAL is incorporating modifications and improvements sought by the Indian Air Force on the Mk1A platform. If integration and certification activities progress as planned, the first batch of Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft could be delivered later this year after acceptance by the IAF.

A high-level review involving Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi Kota is expected in the coming months to assess the programme's progress.

KEY PROGRAMME FOR IAF MODERNISATION

The Tejas Mk1A is a key part of the Indian Air Force's efforts to strengthen its fighter fleet amid declining squadron strength.

The clearance of the sixth engine and the arrival of the seventh are expected to support HAL's efforts to accelerate production. However, the programme continues to remain under close scrutiny as it works to overcome delays accumulated over the past two years.

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