HAL engine snag delays India's Tejas Mk1A fighter deliveries

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has found a technical defect in the sixth GE F404‑IN20 engine supplied for the Tejas Mk1A programme. The engine failed mandatory acceptance tests during routine inspections, leaving HAL with only five serviceable engines and prompting an urgent request for technical assistance from GE Aerospace. HAL says GE experts will travel to India to assess repairs; if the defect cannot be fixed locally, a replacement engine will be sent.

The setback adds to existing delays in the Tejas Mk1A project, which is already two years behind schedule. The Indian Air Force, down to 29 operational fighter squadrons against a target of 42, relies on the 180 aircraft ordered to replace ageing jets. The Ministry of Defence is considering liquidated damages against HAL for the missed timelines, while HAL has invoked a similar clause against GE for earlier engine delays. The original 2021 contract, worth about $716 million, called for 99 engines; a follow‑on deal in late 2025 added further engine purchases. HAL hopes the arrival of the seventh engine next month will allow the programme to regain momentum and meet the revised goal of delivering the first batch by the end of 2026.