India Receives Second GE-404 Engine From US For LCA Mark 1A Jets, Bolstering Indigenous Fighter Program

India has received the second GE-404 engine from the United States for its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A fighter jet program, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat capabilities and supporting domestic defense manufacturing, Zee News reported, citing ANI.

The engine, delivered to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is part of a consignment of 12 GE-404 engines expected by the end of the current financial year.

These engines will power the LCA Mark 1A, an upgraded, indigenously developed fighter jet featuring modern avionics, Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and improved combat performance.

The IAF has already ordered 83 LCA Mark 1A jets from HAL. Additionally, a proposal to acquire 97 more is in advanced stages of clearance after receiving approval from the Defence Ministry.

The timely delivery of the engines is critical for HAL to meet its production timelines and scale up manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.

Officials said the engine arrivals signal both operational progress and strengthening of India-US defense cooperation.

The LCA program reflects India’s push for self-reliance in defense, and the Mark 1A variant is expected to play a vital role in modernising the IAF, replacing ageing fleets and boosting operational readiness with advanced technologies and homegrown solutions.

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