HAL Tejas Mk1A Programme Takes Off with resumed GE-404 IN20 Engine Supplies But That’s Not Enough

With HAL getting the first four GE F404-IN20 engines in Sep-Oct this year, against a 2021 order, its temporarily stalled programme for IAF’s LCA Mk 1A aircraft seems to be back steam.

HAL is expected to receive another 12 engines by March 2026. IAF has on order 83 LCA Mk 1A fighters, and is set to place another order for 97 more of these jets. India had signed a $716 million agreement with GE in 2021 to procure the 404 IN20 engines. Delivery was hit due to supply chain disruptions, including from a South Korean component supplier, pushing the delivery schedule to March 2025.

With stabilized supplies, HAL should make 30-32 aircraft per year by 2027.

IAF has received only 40 Mk1 LCAs, and they have restricted operational capabilities. The LCA Mk1A on the other hand would be a 4.5 generation MRCA (Multi-Role Combat Aircraft) with AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, EW systems, and Air-to-Air Refuelling. With a third production line now set up in Nasik, its deliveries should start by March 2026. The initial production run should be 24 aircraft/year, and eventually, 32/year.

Indian Air Force plans to induct 352 Tejas aircraft, combining both Mk1A and Mk2 variants. The Mk2 variant however would be powered by GE F-414 engine, which power Boeing F 15 Super Hornets.

HAL is negotiating with GE to jointly produce the F-414 engines in India.

IAF is terribly short in numbers and futuristic aircraft. Bigger and more powerful Medium aircraft are needed to match the ever growing capabilities of the PLAAF (Chinese Air Force) and in parallel, the PAF (Pakistan Air Force). PAF and the Chinese PLAAF, which already boasts of a fighter force many times larger than the IAF , and with state-of-the-art 5th and soon 6th generation fighters. The Pakistan Air Force is also inducting the Chinese 5th gen fighters such as J-20 and possibly J-35 in its 25 squadron force.

IAF would be no match to the PLAAF/PAF combine, and needs to accelerate its acquisition and modernisation programmes by both the indigenous and foreign routes.

IAF has phased out its Mig 21s, and has to build on its Squadron strength from about 30 to the approved strength of 42 Squadrons ASAP. More Rafales seem to be considered in the MoD corridors, and should be appropriate as France has agreed to transfer considerable technology for Make in India.

Rafale is a proven 4.5 generation fighter with multi-role capabilities. IAF is impressed with its performance, especially its advanced Spectra EW (Electronic Warfare) suite, which played an effective role in the recent Op Sindoor. IAF already operates two squadrons of the Rafales while the Indian Navy is also acquiring 26 Rafale Ms for shipboard operations.

As I said IAF’s needs are urgent, and the faster the acquisition, and modernisation, process is implemented, the better for India’s security.

– Air Marshal VK ‘Jimmy’ Bhatia (Retd)