HAL Receives Third GE-404 Engine for LCA Mark 1A Jet Manufacturing

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has secured the 3rd GE-404 engine from the United States for its LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft programme, as per the ANI report. This is a step forward in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing initiative, amid increased focus on ramping up production of the Tejas jets.

Third Delivery Strengthens HAL’s Tejas Production Pipeline

The arrival of the 3rd GE-404 engine signifies progress in HAL’s commitment to delivering the LCA Mark 1A aircraft. As per the schedule, HAL is expected to receive a total of 12 engines by the close of the current financial year. The 4th engine is anticipated in India before the month ends, as delivery timelines begin to stabilise following earlier supply chain setbacks.

Contract Details and Supply Challenges

India signed a $716 million agreement with General Electric in 2021 to procure 99 F404-IN20 engines. However, delivery was disrupted due to global supply shortages, including issues linked to a South Korean component supplier. These delays pushed the rollout schedule forward to March 2025.

Indian Air Force’s Massive Tejas Induction Target

The Indian Air Force has already ordered 83 LCA Mark 1A aircraft, with a proposal in advanced stages to acquire 97 more. This would raise the total planned induction of Tejas units, across Mk1A and Mk2 variants, to 352 aircraft. HAL is preparing its infrastructure to support this ambitious vision.

Read More: HAL Share Price Rise as It Signs Tech Transfer Deal With ISRO, In-Space & NSIL for SSLV Production!

Ramp-Up in Production Capacity by 2026

HAL has projected a full-scale production rate of 30 jets per year by 2026-27. This will be supported by collaboration between public and private sector partners, underpinning India’s self-reliance goals in defence. Current deliveries remain on schedule, and engine availability is expected to normalise by the next financial year.

Hindustan Aeronautics Share Price Performance

On September 11, 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics share price opened at ₹4,565.00 on NSE, above the previous close of ₹4,557.50. During the day, it surged to ₹4,604.00 and dipped to ₹4,544.30. The stock is trading at ₹4,595.00 as of 10:33 AM. The stock registered a moderate gain of 0.82%.

Over the past week, it has moved up by 4.32%, over the past month, it has moved up by 1.90%, and over the past 3 months, it has declined by 8.52%.

Conclusion

The delivery of the 3rd GE-404 engine underscores the steady progress in the LCA Mark 1A programme. With improved supply chains and ramped-up infrastructure, HAL is on track to meet the Indian Air Force’s long-term needs and milestones for Tejas production.

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