The engine in service
The F404-IN20 is a version of General Electric's F404 afterburning turbofan built for the Tejas. It powers both the Mk1 and the Mk1A — the Mk1A retains the proven F404-IN20.
| Spec | F404-IN20 |
|---|---|
| Type | Afterburning turbofan |
| Thrust (dry) | ~54 kN12,100 lbf |
| Thrust (afterburner) | 84 kN classGE rating |
| Used on | Tejas Mk1, Mk1A |
Scaling up supply
Mk1A deliveries are keyed to F404 engine supply from GE, which began under the 2021 contract in March 2025.1 By September 2026 HAL had 27 airframes built and 10 engines delivered, with more arriving through the year.2
- 99 engines were ordered in 2021 for the first 83 Mk1A.
- 113 more were ordered on 7 November 2025, with a support package, for the second batch of 97 — deliveries planned from 2027 to 2032.3
The engine India will build
The Mk2 moves to the larger F414-INS6, rated at about 98 kN with afterburner. HAL and GE signed an agreement in June 2023 to build it in India, and technical and technology-transfer talks were reported concluded in April 2026. The production contract is the next step, with GE's commercial proposal expected later in 2026.4
The indigenous track
The Tejas programme adopted the GE F404 to meet its thrust requirement, while GTRE's Kaveri progressed on its own path: a non-afterburning Kaveri Derivative Engine for unmanned combat aircraft, and a planned higher-thrust Kaveri 2.0 that could suit future fighter upgrades.5 Tejas production continues with the F404-IN20.
Sources
- Business Standard — HAL receives first F404-IN20 engine from GE, Mar 2025. business-standard.com
- The Week — Tejas Mk1A almost ready, 18 Sep 2026. theweek.in
- Tribune — HAL, GE sign contract for 113 more engines, Nov 2025. tribuneindia.com
- Defence.in — GE–HAL F414 engine pact moves to final commercial negotiations, Apr 2026. defence.in
- The Week — Kaveri 2.0 for mid-life upgrades, Aug 2026. theweek.in