GE Aerospace Delivers First F404-IN20 Engine to HAL for Tejas LCA-Mk1A Fighter.
Science and Technology
On March 26, 2025, the United States of America (USA)-based General Electric Company (GE Aerospace), a leading engine manufacturer, announced the delivery of the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk 1A fighter jet program. The engine will undergo final checks at GE's Lynn plant (USA) and is expected to arrive in India by April 2025. HAL aims to receive 12 engines by the end of 2025.
- The F404-IN20 engine is a tailored version of the F404 family, providing the highest thrust within the series.
- This engine provides a maximum thrust of 19,000 pound-force (lbf) (85 kilo Newton, kN) with an afterburner, making it the highest thrust variant in the F404 series.
Main Point :- (i) In 2023, GE Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HAL to explore joint production of the F414 engines in India.
(ii) With the procurement deal worth Rs 5,375 crore (approx. USD 650 million), India aims to enhance its domestic defense manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign defense imports.
General Electric Company (GE Aerospace)
Chairman & CEO : Henry Lawrence "Larry" Culp, Jr.
Headquarters : Evendale, Ohio, United States of America (USA)
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