Скачать или смотреть GE Delivers F404 Engine to HAL | Tejas Mk1A Production Restarts | IAF Induction Certification Delays

GE Aerospace has delivered the 6th F404 engine to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in January 2026, marking a crucial breakthrough for India’s indigenous Tejas Mk1A fighter jet programme. This delivery adds to the five engines supplied in 2025 and signals the gradual revival of the stalled Tejas production line.
The F404 engine supply disruption had severely impacted HAL’s ability to meet the Indian Air Force (IAF) induction schedule. With the arrival of this new engine, HAL is now preparing to hand over five Tejas Mk1A fighter jets to the IAF by March 2026, aiming to restart momentum in one of India’s most important defence manufacturing programmes.
However, the story doesn’t end with production alone.
While HAL has confirmed that five Tejas Mk1A aircraft are fully built and have successfully completed weapons trials, including:
Astra BVR missile integration
ASRAAM close-combat missile integration
Laser-guided bomb trials
the IAF induction still faces delays due to certification and operational clearance requirements. Defence sources indicate that final approvals depend on:
Full flight envelope validation
Uttam AESA radar and EW suite integration
Reliability and frontline operational performance tests
This video explains: ✔️ Why the GE F404 engine delivery is critical
✔️ How Tejas Mk1A production is restarting
✔️ HAL’s delivery targets for the IAF
✔️ Why certification is delaying squadron induction
✔️ The real gap between factory readiness and combat readiness
✔️ What this means for India’s air power and MiG-21 replacement strategy
In a high-stakes defence programme where every engine and every aircraft matters, the Tejas Mk1A story reflects the complex balance between manufacturing progress, supply-chain recovery, and military operational standards.
🎯 Watch the full video for a complete strategic breakdown.