Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is accelerating capacity expansion plans as supply chain constraints on the General Electric F404 turbofan engines powering the Tejas MK-1A fighter have begun to ease, according to the HAL Chief.
The engine supply bottleneck had emerged as a critical constraint on HAL’s ability to scale production of India’s indigenous light combat aircraft. General Electric has been the exclusive supplier of the F404 engines that power both the Tejas MK-1 Initial Operational Clearance variant and the more advanced MK-1A production standard.
The Tejas MK-1A represents a significant capability jump over the baseline MK-1, incorporating enhanced avionics, improved air-to-air refuelling probe, modern cockpit displays, and expanded weapon integration. The aircraft has been cleared for induction by the Indian Air Force, with initial orders placed for 83 airframes across multiple tranches.
HAL’s expansion push comes as the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Public Sector Undertaking work to accelerate the pace of Tejas deliveries to operationalise more squadrons with India’s domestically developed fighter. The aircraft fills a critical operational gap in the IAF’s fighter fleet as older platforms retire and global supply chain disruptions persist for imported combat aircraft.
The resolution of engine supply pressures removes one of the primary logistical obstacles to ramping production from current single-digit annual rates. HAL operates multiple manufacturing facilities across India, with final assembly of Tejas taking place at its Bangalore complex. Securing steady supplies of the F404 engine, a key foreign component, had required coordination with General Electric and the U.S. government on defence procurement protocols.
Beyond the immediate MK-1A programme, HAL is also developing the Tejas MK-2, a larger, more capable variant intended to replace older MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 squadrons. The MK-2 design incorporates a more powerful engine, enhanced radar, and greater internal fuel capacity. Stabilising the supply chain for current production variants positions HAL to support development work on the next generation airframe in parallel.
The Defence Ministry has consistently prioritised indigenisation of defence manufacturing and reduction of foreign dependency in platforms critical to national security. The Tejas programme, which began development in the 1980s, exemplifies India’s long-term commitment to building indigenous air power capabilities despite technical and industrial challenges that stretched timelines significantly.
With engine availability improving, HAL is expected to announce revised production schedules and capacity investment plans in coming months. Sustained and reliable fighter production is viewed as essential to IAF’s force structure modernisation goals as the service manages a declining fleet size relative to regional air forces.