Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a significant $1-billion agreement with American defence firm GE Aerospace. This contract aims to procure 113 jet engines specifically for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, reinforcing India's commitment to enhancing its indigenous defence capabilities.
In February 2021, the Defence Ministry finalized a contract with HAL to acquire 83 Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). However, the delivery of these jets has faced challenges, mainly due to GE Aerospace's delays in supplying the necessary aero engines.
With the IAF's fighter squadron strength currently at 31, significantly lower than the sanctioned 42 squadrons, there is an urgent need to expedite the induction of Tejas Mk-1A jets. In September 2025, the Defence Ministry further solidified this commitment by finalizing a deal for 97 additional Tejas Mk-1A aircraft for the IAF.
The Tejas is a 4.5-generation, all-weather, multi-role fighter aircraft developed indigenously in India. It is designed to operate effectively in high-threat air environments, ensuring the IAF remains capable and ready to respond to diverse operational scenarios.
Under the new contract, HAL will receive 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines between 2027 and 2032 to support the Tejas Mk-1A programme. Notably, HAL is already utilizing the GE F404-IN20 engines for an earlier batch of LCA Mk-1A aircraft, ensuring continuity in production and maintaining high-performance standards across the fleet.
Q1. What is the significance of HAL's recent agreement with GE Aerospace?
Answer: HAL's agreement with GE Aerospace is crucial for securing jet engines for the Tejas aircraft, enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force and supporting indigenous defence production.
Q2. How many Tejas Mk-1A jets have been contracted by the IAF?
Answer: The Indian Air Force has contracted a total of 180 Tejas Mk-1A jets, including the initial 83 and an additional 97 jets finalized in 2025.
Q3. What is the estimated delivery timeline for the new jet engines?
Answer: The delivery of the 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines is expected to occur between 2027 and 2032 as part of the agreement between HAL and GE Aerospace.
Q4. What operational roles can the Tejas aircraft perform?
Answer: The Tejas aircraft are designed for a variety of roles including air defence, strike missions, ground attack, and maritime reconnaissance, showcasing its versatility on the battlefield.
Q5. Why is the Tejas aircraft significant for India's defence sector?
Answer: The Tejas aircraft represents India's efforts to develop indigenous military technology, reducing reliance on foreign imports and enhancing national security capabilities.
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the Tejas Mk-1A aircraft?
A) Surveillance missions
B) Transport operations
C) Multi-role combat missions
D) Cargo delivery
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: How many Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets were initially contracted in February 2021?
A) 50
B) 83
C) 97
D) 120
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What type of engine is used in the Tejas Mk-1A aircraft?
A) F404-GE-IN20
B) F414-GE-400
C) JF-17 engine
D) F119-PW-100
Correct Answer: A
Question 4: In which year was the deal for additional Tejas Mk-1A jets finalized?
A) 2020
B) 2022
C) 2025
D) 2023
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is the maximum number of squadrons the IAF is authorized to have?
A) 31
B) 42
C) 50
D) 36
Correct Answer: B
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