The BRICS TimesHindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the third GE-404 engine from the US for the Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets. Another engine is expected by the end of September. The Indian Air Force will get its first two jets in October 2025.
HAL Secures Third GE-404 Engine for Tejas Mk-1A
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received its third GE-404 engine from the United States for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A. The company confirmed that another engine is expected to arrive by the end of September.
First Two Jets to Reach IAF in October 2025
Official sources at HAL confirmed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive the first two Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft in October 2025. The delivery comes nearly two years later than the original schedule. Before handover, critical weapon-firing tests will be carried out in September.
Major Weapons Trials Scheduled
During these trials, Tejas Mk-1A will fire Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, ASRAAM short-range missiles, and precision laser-guided bombs. Previous tests delivered mixed results, with one success and one failure. HAL then updated the onboard software to enhance performance. Only after successful completion of these trials will the aircraft be officially delivered to the IAF.
Faster Deliveries Expected with New Engine Supply
American manufacturer GE is set to supply 10 more engines by March next year, followed by 20 additional engines by December 2026. This supply chain boost is expected to speed up the delivery of Tejas jets to the IAF in the coming months.
Squadron Shortage Poses Challenge for IAF
The shortage of fighter squadrons remains a serious concern for the Indian Air Force. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has stated that while the IAF requires 42 squadrons, the current strength has dropped to 31. By September 26, with the retirement of two MiG-21 squadrons, the number will reduce further to just 29. This shortfall becomes even more alarming in the context of a potential two-front conflict with Pakistan and China.
First Deployment in Bikaner’s Cobra Squadron
The Tejas Mk-1A’s first operational deployment will be at the Bikaner airbase. The famous “Cobra Squadron,” which has been flying MiG-21 Bison aircraft, will be reactivated with the induction of Tejas. The squadron will mark a new era of advanced airpower for the IAF.
HAL Set to Strengthen IAF Capabilities
The pace of engine supply and aircraft deliveries signals a new phase of strength for the Indian Air Force. The Tejas Mk-1A features more than 40 improvements compared to its earlier version. The IAF will induct a total of 83 aircraft by 2029.
Key Features of Tejas Mk-1A
- Weight: 6,500 kg (empty), making it lightweight and agile
- Engine: GE F404-IN20 with 90 kN thrust
- Top Speed: Mach 1.8 (2,220 km/h)
- Radar: EL/M-2052 AESA, detecting targets up to 200 km
- Range: 500 km, Payload: 5,300 kg
- Weapons: Astra Mk1/Mk2 (BVR, 110 km), ASRAAM (short-range), Derby missiles, laser-guided bombs, and rockets
- Electronic Suite: Indigenous EW suite, mission computer, and countermeasures
- Hardpoints: 9 in total for weapon carriage
Tejas vs Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder
The JF-17 Thunder, co-developed by China and Pakistan, is a fourth-generation jet. It weighs 7,900 kg, has a range of 1,200 km, a thrust of 84 kN, and a payload of 3,600 kg. Its KLJ-7A AESA radar detects up to 170 km, with a top speed of Mach 1.6. The Tejas, with a lower radar cross-section of 0.5 m² compared to JF-17’s 1 m², offers greater stealth, better agility, and superior weapons capacity.
Tejas vs China’s J-10C
China’s J-10C is a 4.5-generation fighter with a weight of 9,750 kg, a thrust of 140 kN, and a payload of 6,000 kg. It can fly at Mach 2.1 with a range of 1,100 km. While J-10C dominates at longer ranges, Tejas holds the advantage in close combat with its agility, lightweight design, and smaller radar cross-section.
Why Tejas Mk-1A is Crucial for IAF
The Tejas Mk-1A surpasses Pakistan’s JF-17 in stealth, range, and weapons load. Against China’s J-10C, Tejas provides superior maneuverability and stronger electronic warfare systems. For the IAF, this jet will serve as a backbone in the years ahead. The first two Tejas Mk-1A aircraft are expected in October 2025, and gradually, they will emerge as one of the IAF’s most powerful assets.
