US Further Delays Tejas Mark-1A Jets Delivery, GE Engine Supply Setback Pushes IAF’s Hopes To 2025

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will now wait until mid-2025 for the first Tejas Mark-1A jets, as US-based General Electric (GE) further delays in delivering critical engines.

GE Aerospace has informed the Indian government that it will begin delivery of F4-4-IN20 engines, to make 4.5-generation fighters in India, by March 2025, two years behind schedule.

Originally, the American engine maker was slated to commence the engine deliveries in 2023.

GE cited supply chain challenges, including issues with a South Korean partner facing financial constraints, which has impacted the availability of certain engine components. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also flagged the delay during recent US visits, prompting GE Aerospace to confirm the revised timeline for delivery by March 2025.

The IAF also reportedly conveyed its dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A program.

According to a report by Times of India (ToI), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be able to deliver only two to three Tejas Mark-1A jets in the 2024-25 fiscal, significantly short of the 16 jets promised under the Rs 46,898 crore contract for 83 jets, signed in February 2021.

As a workaround, the Indian government has urged GE Aerospace to transfer the technology for these components so they can be manufactured domestically.

A report by ToI quoted a source as saying, "As per terms of the $716 million contract, HAL could invoke penalty clauses in the case. But it’s an ongoing logistical issue that can be worked out between GE and HAL."

As per the ToI, HAL and GE have now been also conducting the final techno-commercial negotiations for the co-production of the more powerful GE-F414 aero-engines in India for the planned Tejas Mark-II fighters, with 80 per cent transfer of technology for around $1 billion.

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