India’s ambitious indigenous fighter jet programme, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, is set to receive a significant boost with US defence giant General Electric (GE) gearing up to supply two F404 engines per month to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The development comes alongside India’s broader plans to procure advanced Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and Stryker armoured vehicles from the United States, as confirmed by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane during his recent interaction with defence media.
GE to accelerate F404 engine deliveries for Tejas Mk-1A
Defence Secretary Aramane stated that GE has assured HAL of expediting the supply chain with two F404 engines per month, ensuring timely assembly and induction of the Tejas Mk-1A fleet into the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Tejas Mk-1A, an improved variant of the LCA programme, is equipped with enhanced avionics, radar, and air-to-air refuelling capabilities.
| Key Parameter | LCA Tejas Mk-1A Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | GE F404-IN20 |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 1.6 |
| Range | 1,850 km (ferry) |
| Service Ceiling | 50,000 ft |
| Weapons | Derby BVRAAM, R-73, laser-guided bombs |
The Defence Secretary emphasised that indigenous fighter production remains a critical pillar of India’s self-reliance goals under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, adding, “LCA Tejas is our pride. We are confident of meeting delivery schedules with GE’s proactive support.”
Procurement of Javelin missiles and Stryker vehicles in focus
Apart from the Tejas updates, Aramane revealed that India is progressing towards finalising two high-value deals with the United States:
- Javelin anti-tank guided missiles: Joint production and procurement of these man-portable fire-and-forget systems to strengthen infantry anti-armour capabilities along sensitive borders.
- Stryker armoured fighting vehicles: Plans to co-produce the Stryker 8×8 Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) with American OEMs for faster deployment of mechanised infantry.
| System | Capability | Strategic Use |
|---|---|---|
| Javelin ATGM | Top-attack mode, lock-on before launch | Neutralising enemy tanks and fortifications |
| Stryker ICV | Armoured troop carrier with heavy weapon stations | Rapid infantry mobilisation with protection |
Aramane highlighted that both deals would include transfer of technology components, stating, “Our strategy is to not just buy but make in India for future scalability and employment generation.”
Strengthening Indo-US defence industrial partnership
These announcements come close on the heels of PM Modi and US President Biden’s meetings in Washington, where defence industrial cooperation was a major agenda. Under the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), both countries aim to integrate supply chains and co-produce advanced systems for mutual strategic needs.
Defence analysts note that India’s choice to acquire the Stryker platform aligns with its focus on modernising infantry mobility in Eastern Ladakh and high-altitude sectors where rapid deployment is critical. Similarly, Javelin ATGMs will augment existing Spike and Konkurs missile inventories.
Accelerating Tejas deliveries crucial for IAF operational needs
The Indian Air Force has ordered 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets worth ₹48,000 crore, with deliveries starting by early 2025. Timely F404 engine supplies from GE are essential to avoid production bottlenecks.
| LCA Tejas Orders Snapshot |
|---|
| Mk-1 (Initial Operational Clearance) – 16 units |
| Mk-1 (Final Operational Clearance) – 16 units |
| Mk-1A (Enhanced variant) – 83 units |
Future vision: Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA
Alongside the Mk-1A, HAL and DRDO are working on the Tejas Mk-2, a medium-weight fighter with GE F414 engines, and the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), positioning India to join the elite group of countries with indigenous stealth fighter capabilities.
Aramane added, “Our fighter programmes are interlinked for technological continuity. The GE partnership is vital for both Mk-2 and AMCA engine needs.”
Expert perspectives
Former Air Marshal Anil Chopra, Director General of Centre for Air Power Studies, commented, “Engine supply reliability has historically been a challenge in fighter production. GE’s monthly supply commitment will ensure HAL meets timelines, avoiding cascading delays in squadron inductions.”
Defence economist Dr. Laxmi Raman observed that India’s planned Javelin and Stryker deals indicate a broader shift towards combined arms modernisation and Indo-US industrial synergy.
India-US defence trade trajectory
| Year | Bilateral Defence Trade Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2008 | < $1 billion |
| 2020 | ~$20 billion |
| 2025 (projected) | ~$25 billion |
Conclusion
India’s defence modernisation received a major fillip with GE’s commitment to deliver two F404 engines per month for Tejas production, ensuring rapid induction into the IAF. Simultaneously, the country is eyeing Javelin missiles and Stryker vehicles to modernise its ground forces with cutting-edge technologies through co-production models with the US.
These strategic developments reinforce New Delhi’s dual goals of self-reliance and robust partnerships to secure national defence interests amid evolving regional challenges.
Disclaimer: This article is based on public statements, defence ministry briefings, and expert analysis available at the time of publication. It is intended purely for journalistic and informational purposes and does not constitute official policy advice or procurement confirmation until formally notified by relevant authorities.
