The Indian Air Force's (IAF) Tejas Mk1A suffers from GE Aerospace's failure to supply F404 engines on time; therefore, it opts for second-hand engines. The US engine maker is currently experiencing a ten-month delay, raising severe questions about the future of India's indigenous fighter aircraft program. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is creating a backup plan to install the engines that are used. As a result, delivery of the first LCA-Mk1A to the IAF, now scheduled for November, is exceedingly doubtful.
While GE blames worldwide supply chain issues, notably in procuring critical elements like titanium, as the primary cause of the delay, industry insiders believe the problems are deeper. The aviation industry, of which GE is a major part, suffered greatly during the COVID-19 epidemic, resulting in significant labour losses, including a ten per cent fall in its US workforce. These difficulties correlate with GE's decision to split into three autonomous entities, which will take effect in April 2024. GE Aerospace, the newly established company, is completely focused on the aviation industry. However, the company's market share appears to be slipping. While it continues to supply engines for the F-18 Super Hornet, demand for the F404 type has decreased.
GE Aerospace has signed export agreements with the Republic of Korea and Sweden; both countries have developed production lines, limiting output at the US manufacturing plant. The business has agreement with Turkish TEI to assemble and tests the F404 engines in Türkiye. The delay in delivering the F404 engine has a severe influence on India's defence capability. There is no suitable alternative to this engine for the Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft. The indigenous Kaveri engine is still years away from manufacturing, and the previously discussed RD-33 is no longer practical.
In February 2021, the Defence Ministry announced a ₹48,000 crore deal with HAL for 83 LCA-Mk1A fighters, which are more competent than the present LCA-MK1 in service. Following this, in August 2021, HAL inked a $716 million contract with GE Aviation for 99 F404 aircraft engines and support services for the LCA-Mk-1A. According to the contract, the IAF would get three LCA-MK1As in February 2024 and 16 aircraft per year for the next five years.
In addition to the 83 Mk1A aircraft on order, the Defence Ministry has given preliminary approval to purchase a further 97 LCA-Mk1As. This would eventually produce 180 LCA-MK1 and 220 MK1 jets. The estimated cost of the 180 Mk1As is ₹1.15 lakh crore. In addition, a larger and more capable LCA-Mk2 is being developed to power the GE F-414 engines. An agreement to license and produce F414 engines in India is nearing completion. As of today, the IAF has committed to purchasing around 120 LCA-Mk 2.
