India and United States seal technical pact on fighter jet engine coproduction

Key facts

• GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) have reached an agreement on technical matters for coproduction of fighter jet engines.
• The agreement covers transfer of manufacturing technology for the F414 engine, with GE Aerospace owning about 80% of the engine's intellectual property rights.
• A contract has been signed for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to set up a depot facility for F404 engines that power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
• The sixth F404 engine has arrived in India, and GE Aerospace is focusing on timely deliveries while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Under the deal, 99 engines will be manufactured in India to power the Mk2 variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) projects a demand for 120‑130 Tejas Mk2 fighters, which could increase the engine order beyond 99 units.
• The first two squadrons of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are expected to be powered by the same engine.
• GE Aerospace is interested in discussions with India to develop higher thrust engines of the 120 kN class for next‑generation fighter jets.
• The final contract signing is expected in the current financial year, with HAL planning to set up a manufacturing facility in India within two years of signing.
• The partnership between GE Aerospace and HAL spans 40 years, and the technical agreement is described as a landmark step for economic growth and national security.