GE engines’ Tejas supply to start in March, South Korean disruption delayed chain

New Delhi: The regular supply of GE 404 engines to power indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) will start from March next year after being hit by delays due to disruption of supply chains, said people familiar with the matter.

While the deliveries of LCA Mk1a jets have been delayed due to late supplies of engines, officials have been in regular touch with US manufacturer GE and there is a degree of confidence that things will stabilise by March 2025, they said on condition of anonymity.

Engine supplies have been disrupted due to the bankruptcy of a South Korean defence firm – a key supplier of parts and components, according to the people. After the company ceased operations, GE had to establish an alternative line of suppliers, leading to a delay of almost two years, they said.

Despite delays in deliveries, India is marching on with the LCA production to meet IAF requirements, with 14 airframes and integrated systems expected to be completed this financial year.

The latest version of the aircraft, LCA Mk1A, is currently undergoing flight tests and the first jet is likely to be delivered soon, utilising previously ordered engines. It is expected that five jets will be delivered in the coming months, with integration tests currently on, said one of the persons cited earlier. Weapons trials on the new version of the jet are being conducted, as per the person. IAF has ordered 83 of these aircraft.

The first LCA Mk1A was originally scheduled to be handed over to the Air Force in July.State-run HAL had been mandated to deliver 16 aircraft this financial year. It has a plan as per which the making of airframes and integration of all other systems will go on, with engines to be fitted when GE manages to streamline supplies. At least 14 airframes in a ready-to-go state should be available within this financial year, said people in the know.Two production lines are active in Bengaluru while a third at Nashik could be operational soon. The first aircraft from the Nashik line is likely to be ready this financial year. Each of the lines can make eight aircraft per year.

Even with engine delays, all 83 jets on order are expected to be delivered within 2028 deadline.