Indigenous 'Rafale' Tejas MK-1A Program Surges with GE Engine Delivery

• GE Aerospace delivered the fifth F404-IN20 engine to HAL on November 5, 2025, accelerating India's indigenous Tejas MK-1A fighter jet program.
• The Tejas MK-1A features advanced avionics, AESA radar, improved electronic warfare systems, and enhanced weapon carrying capacity.
• The Indian Air Force has ordered 83 Tejas MK-1A aircraft, with proposals for 97 more, and HAL aims to produce 30 annually by 2026-27.
• HAL and GE Aerospace's partnership, including a $1 billion contract for 113 additional engines, strengthens India's defense self-reliance and indigenous aerospace capabilities.

Why It Matters: India's Tejas MK-1A jet program advances, enhancing indigenous defense capabilities.