लड़ाकू विमान Trend in India: GE's Tejas Engine Deliveries and Fighter Jet Fleet Explained

The Hindi term लड़ाकू विमान trended in India on 7 October 2026, when Google Trends recorded roughly 2,000 searches for the phrase in a 24-hour window with a 100% growth spike, according to data observed that morning (Google Trends India). The search interest followed fresh confirmation that GE Aerospace had delivered four F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in September 2026 for the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.

Why 'लड़ाकू विमान' Spiked on 7 October 2026

Google Trends data captured at 08:09 UTC on 7 October 2026 showed the term लड़ाकू विमान in India's Trending Now list with an approximate search volume of 2,000 and 100% growth over the previous 24 hours (source). The platform notes that these counts are approximate search activity and do not measure website traffic, but they clearly show a sudden public focus on fighter aircraft.

GE Aerospace's F404-IN20 Engine Deliveries for Tejas

US defence major GE Aerospace confirmed in early October 2026 that it had handed over four F404-IN20 engines to India in September for the Tejas programme (Navbharat Times). The company had already supplied three engines in August 2026, taking second-half deliveries to seven so far. A GE spokesperson said the company was proud to partner with HAL and the Indian Air Force and remained focused on making the engines available.

Former HAL chairman D.K. Sunil said in April 2026 that GE had promised to deliver 20 F404 engines in the second half of the calendar year, between June and December. At that time, HAL had five engines in hand and a sixth was ready for pickup. The September shipment keeps that commitment on track, though 13 more engines would still be needed to reach the 20-unit target by December.

Tejas Fleet Strength and the 324-Aircraft Goal

As of November 2025, the Indian Air Force operates about 30 Tejas Mark 1 aircraft and six trainers across two squadrons, according to the HAL Tejas Wikipedia entry. No. 45 Squadron (Flying Daggers) is based at Sulur in Tamil Nadu, while No. 18 Squadron (Flying Bullets) operates from Naliya in Gujarat. The IAF has 141 Mark 1A combat jets on order along with 41 trainers, and plans to procure at least 324 aircraft, or 18 squadrons, across all Tejas variants including the heavier Mark 2.

The Mark 1A upgrade is expected to include an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, updated avionics and electronic warfare capabilities. The programme has selected Israeli Elta EL/M-2032 and EL/M-2052 radar units for the Mark 1 and initial Mark 1A aircraft respectively, while DRDO's indigenous Uttam AESA radar was still undergoing trials as of 2024.

Why Engine Supply Remains the Production Bottleneck

HAL has stated that its production line is ready, but aircraft delivery depends on the availability of GE F404 engines (Navbharat Times). Supply difficulties had previously delayed the LCA Tejas Mk1A programme, which is why each engine shipment attracts wide public and defence-watcher attention. Until the full batch of promised engines reaches HAL, the pace of Mark 1A deliveries—and the roadmap toward the 324-aircraft fleet—will remain tied to GE's output.