LCA fighter engine supplies stabilise as GE ships four sets to HAL

New Delhi: Engine supplies for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) are stabilising, with US manufacturer GE Aerospace shipping in four new sets last month, with production levels to go up further next year.

In a statement, GE Aerospace said it remains focused on delivering the engines needed for the fighter jets to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The state-owned entity is expecting GE to deliver more than 20 engines annually from 2027. The engine supplies are vital to delivering LCA Mk1A fighter jets to the Air Force. An order for 99 of the F404 engines was placed by HAL for $700 million, with deliveries slated to start by 2024. However, due to supply chain issues, the deliveries got significantly delayed, contributing in part to the delay in induction of the LCA Mk1A fighters.

Sources said penalties have been imposed on GE Aerospace for delays and liquidated damages are being imposed on the delivery of every delayed engine. An additional $1 billion order for 113 F404 engines was inked with GE last year for the second batch of LCA Mk1A fighter jets. At the same time, HAL is continuing discussions with the US manufacturer for transfer of technology of the more advanced F414 engines. The next version of the Tejas fighter jet -- the LCA Mk2 -- is already under prototype production and will be powered by the GE 414 engine which will also be produced in India under a technology transfer deal.