Delay in GE’s F-404 Engine Deliveries for LCA-Mk1A Sparks Penalty Clause Activation

Delay in GE’s F-404 Engine Deliveries for LCA-Mk1A Sparks Penalty Clause Activation

Sub :Sci

Sec: Defence

Why in News

General Electric (GE) is expected to deliver F-404 jet engines for India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A by March or April 2025 after extended delays. The delay has resulted in India invoking a penalty clause due to contractually overdue delivery timelines. The engines are crucial to powering India’s indigenous fighter aircraft fleet under the $716-million deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

About the F404 Engine:

Produced by GE Aerospace, the F404 is a reliable, afterburning turbofan engine designed primarily for military use.

Originally developed to power the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, it has since become adaptable for various aircraft and roles.

Engine Variants:

• F404-GE-IN20: Used in India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A, this variant provides approximately 19,000 pounds of thrust and includes advanced Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) for enhanced reliability.
• F404-GE-103: Powers the Boeing T-7A Red Hawk trainer, designed for the U.S. Air Force.
• F404-RM12: A variant co-developed with Volvo Aero specifically for the Saab Gripen fighter jet.
• F404-GE-402: Enhanced for fuel efficiency, this variant powers F/A-18 Hornet models.

The F404 engine series delivers high performance with thrust levels between 10,500 and 19,000 pounds, depending on the model, supporting both high-altitude interception and low-altitude attack missions.

The F404 series includes single-crystal turbine blades and high-temperature materials, improving the engine’s heat resistance and overall durability.

About India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A:

The LCA Mk1A is a fourth-generation, single-engine, multi-role light fighter aircraft, designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the “Tejas” program in India.

Created for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the LCA Mk1A focuses on air defence, close air support, and reconnaissance missions, complementing heavier fighters like the Su-30MKI.

Specifications:

• Weight: The maximum take-off weight (MTOW) is about 13.5 tons.
• Engine: Powered by the GE F404-IN20 engine, providing around 19,000 pounds of thrust, optimized for agility and speed.
• Range: It has a combat range of about 500 kilometres (km) and a ferry range of up to 1,750 km.
• Speed: Maximum speed is approximately Mach 1.6 (around 1,975 km/h).
• Service Ceiling: The aircraft can reach altitudes of up to 52,500 feet.

Avionics: The Mk1A features modern avionics with a fully digital, fly-by-wire flight control system and advanced radar, including Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.

Equipped to carry beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, air-to-surface missiles, laser-guided bombs, and advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems.

The Mk1A’s low weight and high thrust-to-weight ratio enhance its manoeuvrability, making it suitable for both offensive and defensive operations.

Designed with minimal radar cross-section (RCS) to enhance survivability.

Enhances India’s airpower by replacing aging fleets such as the MiG-21.

About the Penalty Clause:

The penalty clause in defence contracts is a provision that imposes financial or legal penalties on contractors if they fail to meet specific contractual obligations, such as delivery timelines, performance standards, or technical specifications.

It serves as a safeguard, ensuring that delays or non-compliance do not compromise critical defence projects and that the contractor remains accountable.

In the context of the LCA Mk1A, General Electric (GE) was contracted to supply F404 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the lead manufacturer of the LCA Mk1A.

Due to logistical issues, GE has faced delays in delivering these engines, which has affected the production timeline for the LCA Mk1A.

Given the delay, HAL has invoked the penalty clause against GE as per the contractual terms. This clause is typically triggered when delays or other violations exceed an acceptable or pre-defined limit set in the agreement.

Financial penalties may include a percentage of the contract value deducted per day, week, or month of delay, based on the severity and impact of the delay.