GE and HAL Strike Deal to Co-Produce 99 F414 Jet Engines For Tejas MK2, Projected Cost Below $1 Billion

Defense News ,India :-  India is making a big move in the world of aerospace. The country is getting ready to produce its own fighter jet engines through a deal between General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This deal will allow India to build engines for its LCA Tejas MK-2 fighter jets. The cost of this deal is expected to be less than a billion dollars for 99 engines. This information comes from top officials in India's Defense Ministry, although the final price is still being negotiated.

This deal is significant because it will give India access to advanced military technology. Currently, only a few countries, like the US, Russia, and France, have this capability. The discussions for this deal began back in 2012 when India's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) started talking with GE about transferring the technology for GE F414-INS6 engines. These engines are needed for India's LCA MK-2 project, which aims to replace old fighter jets in the Indian Air Force.

Initially, the US agreed to transfer only 58% of the technology, but now they've agreed to 80%. This means that more of the engine manufacturing process will happen in India. This is a big step because it increases India's self-reliance in producing fighter jets. Additionally, due to inflation over the years, the cost of the deal has gone up. However, with the guidance of India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, the agreements with the US have been successfully signed.

So, what does India gain from this deal? Firstly, the technology transfer from GE is unprecedented. It involves critical military technology that has never been shared with any other country at this scale. This shows the trust that the Biden administration has in India. The technology includes things like special coatings to protect against corrosion and erosion, as well as advancements in turbine blade and nozzle guide vane manufacturing.

Comparing negotiations between India and the US in 2012 and 2023 reveals that GE has agreed to transfer more technology this time around. This includes 11 key technologies that will significantly boost India's capabilities in aerospace manufacturing. India's Defense officials believe that this deal will enhance the performance of their fighter jets, improve maintenance efficiency, and reduce turnaround time for repairs.

HAL, the Indian aerospace company, is expected to start producing LCA MK-2 jets in about three years. This will further strengthen India's defense capabilities. The deal will also contribute to India's goal of becoming self-reliant in manufacturing fighter jets. It will support other ongoing efforts in developing military and civilian aircraft.

The manufacturing of the engines will largely happen in India, except for some small components. The Indian Air Force plans to order between 120 to 130 LCA MK-2 jets, which will further boost the country's defense capabilities.

The GE-HAL aerospace deal marks a significant milestone for India's defense industry. It not only enhances India's self-reliance but also paves the way for future advancements in aerospace technology. With this deal, India takes a giant leap towards achieving its goal of manufacturing world-class fighter jets domestically.