MC EXCLUSIVE Hindustan Aeronautics to begin delivery of 8 Tejas Mk1A jets in next 24–36 months

LCA Tejas Mk1A is an improved variant of India’s indigenous fighter

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will deliver eight Tejas Mk1A fighters in the next 24–36 months after signing its engine supply agreement with General Electric (GE), before ramping up to significantly larger tranches in later years, according to internal rollout sequencing. The slower start places the production surge closer to year four, government sources said.

The engines agreement – signed on November 7 – covers 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines to power 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A fighters. It forms a key component of the Rs 62,370 crore procurement cleared earlier this year. A senior government source said the initial delivery cycle will remain modest as HAL stabilises its production line. Cost negotiations had delayed finalisation of the engine contract, he added.

“HAL and GE had to align on escalating costs before locking the supply roadmap. The first phase is naturally slower. That has pushed the early aircraft deliveries into a eight-unit window over 24–36 months,” the source told Moneycontrol.

Bulk production after Year 3

Internal delivery charts show three major tranches of 24 aircraft each will begin rolling out sequentially after months 37, 49 and 61. A final tranche of 12 fighters is scheduled for months 73–84 — corresponding to late 2031 through late 2032 — effectively seven years after contract signing.

“Once the line reaches steady rhythm, three full blocks of 24 jets each will move out almost back-to-back. The final 12-unit batch will close the Mk1A order around the seventh year. After that, deliveries for additional variants can be slotted,” the official said.

He added that engine quantities have been structured keeping lifecycle requirements in mind. “The engines have a defined shelf life. After that they need replacement, which is why 113 engines have been contracted for now. Further engine orders will be placed as the fleet expands,” he said.

The LCA Tejas Mk1A is an improved variant of India’s indigenous fighter, featuring a new avionics architecture, upgraded radar, mid-air refuelling capability and higher mission readiness. The F404-GE-IN20 is a proven afterburning turbofan that also powers the earlier Tejas Mk1 fleet.

What does the GE agreement cover?
HAL signed a contract on November 7, 2025, for 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines to power 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters, including additional units for lifecycle replacement.

Why is the initial delivery slow?
HAL is stabilising its production line, and cost negotiations with GE delayed closure of the engine contract, pushing early output into the eight-unit window in months 24–36.

When does bulk production begin?
Large tranches of 24 aircraft each are planned to start moving after months 37, 49 and 61, with a final batch of 12 jets scheduled for months 73–84.

When will all deliveries be completed?
The full order is expected to conclude around seven years after contract signing, i.e., late 2031 to late 2032.