ndia is on track to finalise a landmark $1 billion agreement with US aerospace giant General Electric (GE) for 113 F404-IN20 fighter jet engines. The deal, expected to be signed in October, will power the Indian Air Force’s planned fleet of TEJAS MK-1A aircraft. According to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), negotiations have concluded with pricing settled, and only contract formalities remain.
The massive procurement aligns with the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) earlier contract for 97 TEJAS MK-1A aircraft worth ₹62,370 crore. HAL chairman Dr. DK Sunil confirmed that deliveries will begin as early as October, with the first fighter already built and awaiting final tests.
The order consists of 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seat trainers, with all deliveries to be completed over six years starting in 2027-28. HAL aims to finish supplying all 180 TEJAS fighters under current orders by 2032-33, replacing the IAF’s retiring MiG-21 fleet.
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