Thu Sep 11 15:18:07 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the third GE 404 engine from General Electric (GE) Aerospace for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A. While the fourth engine is expected by the end of the month, delays in engine supply have previously hindered the timely delivery of the LCA Mk1A aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF has expressed concerns over these delays, but HAL maintains that improvements in the engine supply chain will help them meet delivery targets, aiming to have 12 aircraft ready by the end of the financial year if GE delivers the promised number of engines. HAL has ordered a total of 99 GE 404 engines.

**News Article:**

**HAL Receives Third GE Engine for LCA Mk1A, Addressing Delivery Delays**

**Bengaluru, September 11, 2025** – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced today the receipt of its third GE 404 engine from GE Aerospace for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A program. The fourth engine is expected to be delivered by the U.S. firm before the month’s end. This development comes as HAL faces pressure to accelerate the delivery of LCA Mk1A aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The acquisition of 73 LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft and 10 LCA Tejas Mk1 trainer aircraft was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in January 2021. Delivery timelines have faced challenges, leading to criticism from the IAF.

“HAL has received the third GE 404 engine for LCA Mk1A. One more engine is scheduled to be delivered by the end of September. Engine supply chain improvement will pave the way for LCA Mk1A deliveries,” HAL said in a statement.

HAL Chairman and Managing Director D.K. Sunil stated in July that engine supply chain issues had been the primary reason for past delays. With a total order of 99 GE 404 engines placed, HAL aims to deliver 12 aircraft by the end of this financial year, provided GE meets its delivery commitments. This progress signals a potential turnaround for the LCA Mk1A program and a step towards meeting the defense needs of the IAF.

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