In what comes as a major step in fast-tracking the development and delivery of indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force, American jet and turboprop engines GE Aerospace delivered the fifth F404-IN20 jet engine to HAL.
The delivery against an order placed by HAL in 2021. Valued at $716 million, the HAL order of 2021 includes 99 F404-GE-IN20 engines and support services.
The fourth engine under the order was handed over by GE in October.
"GE Aerospace has handed over the fifth F404-IN20 engine against the order from 2021. GE Aerospace and HAL continue to work closely to ensure a clear line of sight of production schedules for the F404 engines," news agency ANI quoted a GE Aerospace spokesperson as saying.
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Although GE had assured that all 99 engines and support services would be delivered by 2029, there has been an inordinate delay in delivery due to global supply chain disruptions.
However, despite the delay, HAL, in November, sealed a mega deal with GE for the procurement of 113 jet engines for its Tejas light combat aircraft programme. Under this deal, the delivery of the F404-GE-IN20 engines will begin from 2027, and the supplies will have to be completed by 2032.
About LCA Tejas Mk1
LCA Mk1A is the most advanced version of the LCA Tejas, equipped with AESA Radar, EW suite consisting of radar warning and self-protection jamming, Digital Map Generator (DMG), Smart Multi-function Displays (SMFD), Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT), Advanced Radio Altimeter and other advances features.
