HAL Inks $1B GE Jet Engine Deal, Expands Russia Ties

• HAL signs with GE for 113 F404 engines for Tejas
• HAL partners with UAC to produce SJ-100 aircraft in India
• Contracts boost India's aerospace capabilities, jobs, and connectivity

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has finalized a significant deal worth $1 billion with General Electric (GE) of the United States for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines as part of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A program.

“Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into an agreement with General Electric Company, USA, on November 7, 2025, for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines and support package for execution of the 97 LCA Mk1A programme”, HAL stated on its X.

The deal guarantees HAL a dependable supply of engines for the upcoming production of 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft for the Indian Air Force between 2027 and 2032. HAL has secured a deal with GE for jet engines and partnered with UAC of Russia to boost aircraft manufacturing, strengthening India’s defence and aviation sectors within the global aerospace industry.

The deal alone satisfies HAL's requirement of 212 GE-404 engines that support the ongoing and future production lots of the Tejas aircraft that are being developed in India. This deal is a vital step towards mitigating supply chain reductions to ensure continuous progress on the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives for defence.

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“The manufacturing of the SJ-100 aircraft marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Indian aviation industry. It’s a step towards fulfilling the dream of self-reliance in civil aviation”, HAL added.

Along with the defense contract, HAL has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) to manufacture the SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft in India. This is significant since HAL is getting back into civil aviation manufacturing after more than 30 years.

The SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft that is already being operated by 16 airlines globally. HAL will produce this aircraft for India’s domestic market, enhancing regional market connectivity and supporting India's goal of “Udan” or making flying affordable. This project is intended to create new jobs, draw in private investment, and raise India's credibility in the global aerospace ecosystem.

All of these projects demonstrate HAL's role in India's aerospace sector and defense modernization and self-sufficiency initiatives in civil aviation sector and align with India's vision of becoming an aerospace hub.