- HAL Scrambles to Meet IAF Demands as GE Aerospace Works to Resolve Supply Chain Issues
The delay in the supply of F404 engines by American aerospace giant GE Aerospace has significantly impacted the production and delivery schedule of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas MK1A fighter jets. The timing of this disruption is particularly concerning, as the Indian Air Force (IAF) is already facing a critical shortage of combat aircraft.
The LCA Tejas MK1A, a homegrown fighter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is expected to form the backbone of the IAF in the coming years. However, setbacks in engine deliveries have pushed the program behind schedule, delaying the much-needed reinforcement of India’s dwindling fighter squadrons.
Now, GE Aerospace has assured that it will deliver 12 F404 engines within this financial year, allowing HAL to resume full-scale production of the LCA Tejas MK1A.
Showcasing Progress at Aero India 2025
Despite the delays, HAL made a significant statement at the Aero India 2025 air show by displaying four LCA MK1A fighters. One of these jets was featured in the opening performance of the show, highlighting India’s commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing.
During a press conference at Aero India, HAL Chief Managing Director Dr. DK Sunil addressed concerns about the delays, stating:
“GE has sorted the supply chain issue. The first engine is expected by March.”
For now, HAL has been producing the aircraft’s airframe, while the three LCA MK1As showcased at Aero India 2025 were powered by Category B engines—leftover from an earlier agreement with GE Aerospace.
HAL remains committed to its goal of delivering 83 LCA MK1A jets to the IAF in the first phase within three and a half years. Additionally, a contract for a further 97 LCA MK1A fighters is in its final stages, with deliveries scheduled to be completed by 2031.
Why the Delay? GE Aerospace Addresses Supply Chain Disruptions
A GE Aerospace official confirmed to the EurAsian Times that the delays in supplying engines were caused by post-pandemic supply chain disruptions. However, these issues have now been resolved, and the company expects to meet its delivery commitments.
The engine supply delay has pushed back HAL’s LCA MK1A delivery schedule by a year. This setback is significant because in 2021, HAL had signed a contract with GE Aerospace to procure 99 F404 engines for $716 million, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin in March 2023.
However, supply chain disruptions derailed this timeline, disrupting HAL’s plan of manufacturing 16 aircraft per year.
The IAF, already struggling with a fighter squadron deficit, has been eagerly awaiting these aircraft to bolster its combat fleet.
India-U.S. Defense Ties: GE-414 Engine Deal for LCA MK2
While GE Aerospace works to resolve the F404 engine supply issue, India and the United States are strengthening their defense ties.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in 2023, the two nations signed a contract for the production of GE-414 engines, which will power the more advanced LCA Tejas MK2 fighter.
This deal is a significant step forward in India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, as it will eventually allow India to produce fighter jet engines domestically in collaboration with GE Aerospace.
While HAL remains optimistic about meeting its revised delivery schedule, the Indian Air Force Chief has voiced strong concerns over the pace of production.
In a widely circulated six-and-a-half-minute video posted by the defense news portal NationalDefence, the IAF Chief can be seen criticizing HAL for failing to meet delivery deadlines.
Seated in the cockpit of an HJT-36 Yashas, the IAF Chief expressed his disappointment:
“I can only tell you what our requirements and our worries are. You have to alleviate those worries and make us more confident. At the moment, I am just not confident in HAL, which is a very wrong thing to happen.”
The IAF Chief pointed out that HAL had promised to have 11 LCA Tejas Mk1A jets ready by February 2025, but not a single one was delivered on time.
Adding to his frustration, he stated that the LCA Tejas Mk1A jets displayed at Aero India 2025 were not actually Mk1A variants, as they lacked critical weapons and capability upgrades.
“The aircraft that you flew, calling it Mk1A. It is not an Mk1A. It cannot happen just by change of one software or by looks. When the weapons come, and the capability comes, then it’s a Mk1A.”
His remarks reflect the IAF’s growing concern over HAL’s ability to deliver on its commitments, especially at a time when the IAF is operating with only 31 fighter squadrons—far below the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons.
HAL’s Countermeasure: Expanding Production Capabilities
Despite criticism from the IAF, HAL is ramping up production to meet demand.
The company has established three production lines—two in Bangalore and one in Nasik—to increase its manufacturing capacity to 24 aircraft per year.
Additionally, the private sector has been brought into the fold, with the capability to produce an extra 10 aircraft per year if required.
HAL remains confident that it can catch up on lost time and deliver the required aircraft within the revised timeline.
LCA Tejas: The Future Backbone of the IAF
Despite the current delays, the LCA Tejas fleet is expected to become the mainstay of the IAF.
Since the first two squadrons were inducted in 2016, the Tejas has evolved into a more capable and battle-ready fighter. The aircraft has been deployed at forward bases, participated in international exercises, and demonstrated India’s growing confidence in indigenous defense manufacturing.
By 2035, the IAF is expected to operate a total of around 350 LCA fighters, including:
- 32 Mk1 jets (out of an order of 40)
- 83 Mk1A jets (under the first contract)
- 97 additional Mk1A jets (under the second contract)
- The upcoming LCA Mk2 variant
These aircraft will form a critical component of India’s air defense strategy, especially as aging fighters like the MiG-21 and Jaguar are phased out.
LCA Tejas MK1A: A Cutting-Edge Fighter
The LCA Tejas MK1A incorporates several upgrades over the original Mk1 variant, including:
✅ Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar – Allows for faster target tracking and engagement
✅ Upgraded Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite – Enhances survivability in combat
✅ Increased Payload Capacity – Can carry a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons
✅ Improved Agility & Maneuverability – Enhanced control surfaces for better dogfighting capability
The fighter is armed with indigenous weapons such as:
- Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile
- Python and Derby air-to-air missiles
- Paveway precision-guided bombs
- Unguided rockets for ground attack missions
While the delays in engine supply have created significant hurdles, HAL and GE Aerospace are now working to get the program back on track.
The LCA Tejas MK1A will play a pivotal role in India’s defense strategy, but for the IAF, every delayed delivery means a longer wait to fill the fighter squadron gap.
As India pushes for self-reliance in defense, the successful delivery of the LCA Tejas Mk1A will be a critical milestone—not just for HAL, but for the entire Indian defense ecosystem.
