HAL, GE sign $1-bn engine deal to power LCA Mk1As

8 NOVEMBER 2025

In a major boost to India’s indigenous fighter jet programme, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) signed a major contract with General Electric (GE), U.S., for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines and associated support packages to power the next batch of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A.
The deal is valued at about $1 billion, or ₹8,868 crore.
In 2021, 99 GE engines were contracted for 83 aircraft for $716-million; and now 113 engines for 97 aircraft.
The earlier engines were delivered in 2025, with 12 engines expected to be supplied by the end of the current financial year.
The balance 32 engines will be used for testing, maintenance and other operational needs.
Deliveries under the latest contract will commence in 2027 and continue through 2032, aligning with the production schedule of the LCA Mk1A fighters.
The Defence Ministry had, on September 25, signed a ₹62,370-crore contract with HAL for the procurement of 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft — including 68 single-seaters and 29 twin-seaters — for the Indian Air Force.
Deliveries are to start in 2027–28 and conclude within six years.
The new aircraft will feature an indigenous content of over 64%.
Key upgrades include integration of UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite, and indigenous control surface actuators, reinforcing the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.