India signs deal to buy 113 engines from US for Tejas jets amid trade tensions

The Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Friday sealed a major deal with GE Aerospace to procure 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines for its Tejas light combat aircraft programme, in a sign of warming ties with the US following months of tariff-induced tensions.

Under the agreement, deliveries will begin in 2027 and be completed by 2032, officials said. HAL said the engines and support package will be used for executing the 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A programme.

In September, the Defence Ministry signed a Rs



62,370 crore contract with HAL to procure 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters for the Indian Air Force. The Tejas Mk1A fighters are crucial for India's efforts to shore up its air force's depleting fighter squadrons and replace ageing jets amid neighbouring China's growing military strength and support for Pakistan.

However, the rollout of the fighter has faced delays due to slow deliveries from GE of 99 engines ordered in 2021, of which only four have arrived so far. GE has attributed the delay to post-COVID-19 supply chain disruptions.