• Source:JND
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In a major boost to the Indian Air Force (IAF), Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Friday, November 7, signed a major deal with US-based General Electric (GE) Aerospace to procure 113 jet engines for its Tejas light combat aircraft programme.

As part of the deal, the delivery of F404-GE-IN20 engines along with a support package for the execution of 97 Tejas MK-1A light combat aircraft (LCA) is scheduled to begin from 2027, with all the supplies expected to be completed by 2032, news agency PTI reported.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), HAL said, “It has entered into an agreement with M/s. General Electric Company, USA, on 7th November 2025, for the supply of 113 Nos of F404-GE-IN20 engines and support package for execution of 97 LCA Mk1A programme.”

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The Indian Air Force had placed two separate orders for the Tejas MK-1A aircraft with HAL. The first order comprised 83 aircraft, while the second was for 97 aircraft. Earlier in September, the Defence Ministry sealed a Rs 62,370 crore deal with HAL to procure 97 Tejas MK-1A LCA for the Indian Air Force.

Tejas, a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft designed for high-threat combat scenarios, has received a major upgrade with the Mk-1A variant, which completed its maiden flight last month in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Both the Mk-1 and Mk-1A variants are powered by supplied by US-based GE Aerospace.

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The first delivery of the Tejas Mk-1A was originally scheduled for October, but has yet to take place. In an interview with CNN-News18, HAL Chairman DK Sunil expressed confidence, saying, “The situation would improve.” The agreement for the second order of 97 aircraft was sealed today, with delivery scheduled to begin from 2027.

(With PTI Inputs)

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