Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil announced Thursday that the company is actively engaging with American engine manufacturer General Electric (GE) over delays in engine deliveries for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A program. Sunil stated that GE has assured HAL of its commitment to deliver the engines, attributing delays to supply chain disruptions stemming from COVID-related shutdowns and the need for part recertification.
“There has been some delay, and GE has assured us of their best efforts to deliver on time. They are experiencing supply chain issues due to COVID-related shutdowns that require recertification of parts,” Sunil said.
Expanding LCA Program and Future Orders
The LCA Mark 1A program, launched after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, received an initial order for 83 planes valued at ₹48,000 crore, with an additional order for 97 aircraft expected to be placed by the end of the fiscal year. The Defence Ministry recently issued HAL a tender for the purchase of 97 Made-in-India LCA Mark 1A jets, marking the largest indigenous defense order by the Indian government. HAL has a three-month window to respond to the tender.
The delay in engine delivery, Sunil assured, will not impact HAL’s production schedule. “We will build the aircraft and have them ready. We are optimistic that we can resolve this supply issue with GE,” he said.
Advancing Negotiations on GE F414 Engines
Sunil also provided updates on the ongoing negotiations for GE’s F414 engines, expected to power advanced indigenous aircraft. “Negotiations with GE for the F414 engines are set to begin soon, and we aim to finalize the contract by mid-next year,” he said, adding that this timeline aligns with the growing number of indigenous projects, including LCA Mark 1A, Mark 2, and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
To meet the ambitious production targets, HAL has increased its manufacturing capabilities, with two production facilities in Bangalore and a third set to open in Nasik next year. “We’ll have the capacity to produce 24 aircraft per year. With the current order of 83 aircraft plus the anticipated order of 97, totaling 280, we plan to complete deliveries within seven to eight years,” Sunil added.
In addition to the LCA program, Sunil revealed progress on the Su-30MKI upgrade program, approved by the Defence Acquisition Council. The project is in advanced stages and expected to conclude within the current fiscal year. “The 12 additional Su-30 orders are expected this fiscal year, and the government is well-informed on the matter,” he noted.
Highlighting the export potential of the Tejas LCA and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Sunil expressed optimism about international interest, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. “Our aircraft, with IPs, software, and hardware developed domestically, are attracting significant international attention. We are actively engaging countries by allowing their pilots to test these aircraft, and we are hopeful for results in the coming year,” he said.
This continued progress underscores HAL’s role in bolstering India’s indigenous defense capabilities and expanding the country’s presence in global defense markets.
