After a long period of obstacles in acquiring U.S.-manufactured F404 engines, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has confirmed the reception of the second unit, allowing it to begin equipping the new LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, which will be operated by the Indian Air Force. This marks a significant step forward in fulfilling the agreed delivery of a dozen engines, expected to be completed by the end of the current fiscal year.
It is worth noting that the LCA Tejas Mk1A fighters represent a more advanced variant of the original Tejas model, featuring enhancements such as the new Uttam AESA and EL/M-2052 radars, a new electronic self-protection jamming system, and radar warning receivers, among other avionics improvements. These upgrades were sufficient for the Indian Air Force to move forward with an order of 83 aircraft to strengthen its fleet. Currently, local media report that a potential expansion is being negotiated for an additional 97 aircraft to accelerate the replacement of the remaining MiG-21s.
In this regard, it’s important to recall that the state-owned HAL signed a contract in February 2021 to procure an initial batch of 99 U.S.-origin F404 engines, a deal valued at approximately USD 716 million. At the time, the fighter jet manufacturer expected to begin receiving engines in 2023, with a projected delivery rate of 16 units per year. However, this schedule has not been met, mainly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global supply chains.
It should also be noted that, despite the significant delays in the delivery of the F404 engines for the full LCA Tejas Mk1A fleet, India was still able to showcase the first jets of this variant in a formation flight during Aero India 2025, in front of the attending public and the country’s Defense Minister. To make this possible, the aircraft were powered by so-called “Category B” engines, which were in India’s possession as leftovers from a previous agreement with General Electric—the manufacturer of the engines in question.
Finally, while the Indian Air Force continues to celebrate progress in building up its fleet of new LCA Tejas Mk1A fighters, it is also working on the development of the next-generation Tejas Mk2 program. According to local sources, this platform is intended to replace the Air Force’s aging Mirage 2000 and Jaguar aircraft by 2035. The project already has approved funding from the Ministry of Defence, with a committed budget of INR 9,000 crore.
Images used for illustrative purposes only
You may also be interested in: A U.S. company may take part in the modernization of the Indian Air Force’s MiG-29UPG fighters
