India Receives Second GE-404 Engine For LCA Mark 1A Fighter Jet Program: Report

India has received its second GE-404 engine from the United States for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A fighter jet program, ANI reported on Tuesday.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., the public sector firm responsible for manufacturing these indigenous fighter jets, is expected to receive a total of 12 GE-404 engines by the end of the current financial year, which will be fitted onto the LCA Mark 1A jets.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already placed orders for 83 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets, and a proposal to acquire an additional 97 aircraft is at an advanced stage following clearance from the Defence Ministry.

The GE-404 engine, developed by General Electric, is renowned for its reliability and performance. It has been used in various aircraft around the world, earning a reputation for its efficiency and durability. The LCA Mark 1A, equipped with these engines, is an advanced version of the Tejas fighter jet, featuring modern avionics, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and improved combat capabilities.

The LCA Mark 1A program is a critical component of India's efforts to enhance its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. The aircraft is designed to meet the operational requirements of the IAF, providing a versatile and cost-effective solution for various combat scenarios.