An agreement has been signed between Maharatna company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and American company General Electric Company. The agreement is for the supply of 113 units of F404-GE-IN20 engines and an ancillary package. These engines will be for 97 Tejas Mk 1A aircraft, for which the company has recently received an order. In its filing on November 7, the company informed that a deal was signed in September 2025 for the indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft LCA Mk 1A. Engines for these aircraft will be supplied between 2027 and 2032.
Big order from Defense Ministry
In September, the Defense Ministry had awarded orders worth ₹62,370 crore to HAL. Under this, Mk 1A aircraft will be purchased from the company for the Indian Air Force. Earlier, in February 2021, the Defense Ministry had signed a deal worth ₹48,000 crore to procure 83 Tejas Mk1A jets. This is the second contract with the company. HAL has signed an agreement with GE to supply engines for 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft. Under the deal, supplies of F404-GE-IN20 engines will begin in 2027 and will be completed by 2032, officials said. Hindustan Aeronautics’ share price has risen 11.07% so far this year. HAL is scheduled to announce its Q2FY26 results on November 12.
What is the specialty of Tejas?
Many countries around the world including India are strengthening their armies. Following Operation Sindoor, India has been particularly attempting to strengthen its defense sector, and is making significant investments in this sector. This order of 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft given to HAL is a step in this direction.
Tejas Mk1A is a state-of-the-art fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force, equipped with a highly advanced radar system and capable of detecting targets at a range of 150-160 kilometers. It has a payload capacity of up to 3,500 kg and can reach a speed of 2,000 kilometers per hour. It is a 4.5 generation multirole fighter aircraft.
