India will receive two F404 engines per month from the US until March 2026 for its Tejas fighter jets, Defence Secretary RK Singh said. One engine was delivered in April, and another is expected by the end of July. After that, monthly deliveries will begin.

These engines, made by General Electric, power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). HAL plans to deliver 12 Tejas Mark 1 Alpha jets by FY26.

Talks on F414 engines

Singh said technology transfer talks for the more powerful F414 engines—meant for the upgraded Tejas Mark 2—are complete. Pricing discussions are still underway and expected to conclude in the coming months. The deal is set to include local manufacturing, boosting India’s defence self-reliance.

More defence deals in the pipeline

India is exploring the purchase of US-made Javelin anti-tank missiles through both emergency and long-term channels. It is also exploring setting up a maintenance facility in India for Russia’s S-400 air defence systems. Additional orders for S-400s may follow once all pending deliveries are complete.

Upgrades are also being planned for BrahMos missiles, including making them compatible with Tejas jets.

Big drone order coming

A large defence drone order will be placed soon under the ‘Buy Indian IDDM’ policy, aimed at supporting locally designed and manufactured systems. Singh said the order will be substantial enough to support the industry without requiring additional financial assistance. The Ministry is also open to companies that use foreign tech but manufacture drones in India.

Tenders for drones, swarm drones, and UAVs will be issued under both emergency and long-term procurement routes.

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