HAL, GE Aerospace in Talks on Fighter Jet Engine Production

• HAL and GE to jointly produce F414 engines in India for LCA Mk2 with 80% tech transfer
• 12 key technologies included; production to start within three years
• India-Safran partnership to co-develop AMCA engine with full tech transfer

Reports indicate that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and US firm General Electric (GE) Aerospace are to begin commercial negotiations to jointly manufacture fighter jet engines in India.

The two entities are believed to be aiming to have the discussions finished within three months. The next step follows the announcement of the collaboration that was made while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visiting Washington in 2023.

The collaboration will be focused on producing the GE F414 engines which will be used for India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 programme.

The deal was approved by the US Congress last year and paved the way for local manufacturing. The most noteworthy highlight of the arrangement is that GE had committed to transferring nearly 80 per cent of its engine technology to India whereas only 58 percent was offered back in 2012. Said transfer for at deal is expected to take place across 12 unique technologies, such as advanced thermal coatings, single-crystal turbine blade machining, and nozzle guide vane production.

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Sensitive areas - such as the compressor, combustion chamber and turbine core - will not be a part of the transfer. Engine production in India is expected within three years of the agreement being finalized.

Meanwhile, India has chosen French company Safran as its partner to jointly develop a next generation engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with the DRDO getting ready to seek Cabinet approval for an initiative that will allow for full technology transfer from Safran.

India's Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh has referred to these arrangements as significant steps toward the goal for self-reliance in defence technology. As well, Prime Minister Modi urged Indian scientists to pursue the development of an indigenous jet engine with the same zeal and drive that led to development of vaccines and digital technology.