India Boosts Air Power: Second GE-404 Engine Arrives For LCA Mark 1A Fighter Jet Program

India received its second GE-404 engine for the LCA Mark 1A fighter jet, a vital step for HAL's production targets. This delivery bolsters the Indian Air Force's modernisation and signaled progress in US defense partnership.

IAF planning to buy 100 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets from HAL (Photo: IANS)

India on Tuesday received the second GE-404 engine from the United States, a crucial delivery for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A fighter jet program, defense officials confirmed to ANI.

This latest engine is part of a larger consignment, with public sector firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the indigenous fighter, expecting to receive a total of 12 GE-404 engines by the end of the current financial year. These engines are specifically designed to be integrated into the LCA Mark 1A fighter jets.

The LCA Tejas Mark 1A represents an advanced, indigenously developed fighter jet. It boasts modern avionics, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and enhanced combat capabilities, making it a significant asset for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The IAF has already placed firm orders for 83 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets. Furthermore, a proposal to acquire an additional 97 of these aircraft is currently in an advanced stage of clearance, having received approval from the Defence Ministry, according to officials.

The timely receipt of these engines is critical for HAL to meet its production targets and strengthen India's indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.