India's state-run aerospace major, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has finalized a landmark deal worth over $1 billion with American defense giant GE Aerospace. The agreement, signed on Friday, November 7, 2025, secures 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines. These engines are crucial for powering India's indigenous Tejas Mark-1A light combat aircraft program. Deliveries are set to commence in 2027 and will continue through 2032, ensuring a steady supply for India's growing fighter fleet.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]} ### Boosting Tejas Mark-1A Production This significant acquisition directly supports the production of 97 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft, a separate contract worth Rs 62,370 crore (approximately $7.44 billion) that the Ministry of Defence sealed with HAL in September. The deal for 113 engines, valued at roughly Rs 8,870 crore, aims to prevent any further supply chain disruptions. Such disruptions have previously affected the timely delivery of Tejas aircraft to the Indian Air Force.^{[3][4][7][5][6][8]} The F404-GE-IN20 engines are vital for the Tejas Mark-1A, a 4.5-generation, multi-role fighter. This aircraft is designed for air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited chairman D.K. Sunil emphasized the importance of securing these engines. "Engines have the most lead time," Sunil told a news agency. "Keeping that in mind, we started negotiations for the 113 new engines with GE even before we inked the 97 Tejas contract with IAF."^[2][3][6] This new order adds to an earlier agreement from January 2021, where HAL contracted GE for 99 F404 engines worth $716 million. Those engines were intended for the first batch of 83 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft. The combined orders underscore India's commitment to bolstering its domestic fighter jet program and achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative.^[9][6][8] ### Strengthening India's Air Force Fleet The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively working to modernize its fleet and address a shortfall in fighter squadrons. The current strength stands at 29 squadrons, well below the authorized 42.5. The Tejas Mark-1A fighters are a critical component of the IAF's strategy to bridge this gap, with plans to induct 180 of these improved fourth-generation jets.^{[2][3][10][8][11]} The Tejas Mark-1A is not just an upgrade; it is a more advanced variant featuring approximately 70% indigenous content. This includes state-of-the-art systems such as the UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar and the Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite. These advanced technologies enhance the aircraft's combat capabilities, making it a potent asset in high-threat air environments.^[7][8] Despite some past delays in engine deliveries from GE, which impacted the initial rollout of Tejas Mark-1A aircraft, this new deal aims to streamline the supply chain. HAL is focused on ensuring that the delivery of these critical components aligns with the aircraft production schedule. This will help the IAF receive its new fighter jets on time, strengthening India's air power and operational readiness.^[3][5][8] ### Future of Indigenous Jet Engine Development While the current $1 billion deal focuses on F404 engines for the Tejas Mark-1A, India is also pursuing more advanced indigenous jet engine capabilities. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and GE Aerospace are engaged in separate, ongoing negotiations for the co-production of the more powerful F414 engines. These 98-kilonewton thrust class engines are intended for the next-generation Tejas Mark-2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programs.^{[9][2][12][13][14][15][16][17]} This potential F414 deal, estimated at around $1.5 billion for approximately 200 engines, is significant because it involves an unprecedented 80% transfer of technology to India. This level of technology transfer is crucial for India's long-term goal of becoming self-reliant in designing and manufacturing advanced combat jet engines. Developing such complex propulsion systems requires expertise in specialized metallurgy and advanced manufacturing processes, which only a few countries currently possess.^{[9][13][15][16][17]} India plans a landmark investment of Rs 65,400 crore (about $7.44 billion) by 2035 to design, develop, and produce indigenous fighter jet engines. This ambitious initiative aims to produce around 1,100 engines over the next decade for various future combat aircraft, including the Tejas Mark-2, AMCA, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is spearheading this project, fostering an ecosystem that involves government research, private industry, and international partnerships.^[10][11] This multi-faceted approach, combining direct engine procurement with ambitious co-production and indigenous development plans, highlights India's strategic commitment to strengthening its defense industrial base. The $1 billion deal for 113 Tejas engines is a crucial step in ensuring the immediate operational readiness of the Indian Air Force while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a more self-reliant future in advanced aerospace technology.