GE Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to jointly produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force, a move aligning with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States.

The proposed joint venture covers the potential production of GE Aerospace’s F414 engines in India to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk2. However, GE Aerospace is awaiting export authorization from the US government for this venture, crucial to the Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 program.

With over four decades of operations in India, GE Aerospace’s expansion into engine production signifies a boost in the volume for the numerous US facilities that currently support the F414 engine.

The partnership marks a continuation of GE’s engagement with India’s aeronautical development.

In 1986, GE initiated collaborations with the Aeronautical Development Agency and HAL to aid in the development of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) with F404 engines. Since then, GE Aerospace’s F404 and F414 have been integral to the LCA Mk1 and LCA Mk2 programs, with 75 F404 engines already delivered and 99 more on order for the LCA Mk1A. Additionally, eight F414 engines have been dispatched as part of an ongoing development program for LCA Mk2.

The new MOU will further GE Aerospace’s previous commitment to construct 99 engines for the Indian Air Force under the LCA Mk2 program. This places the company favorably to create a product line in India, including the F404 engine that currently powers the LCA Mk1 and LCA Mk1A aircraft. Moreover, GE Aerospace’s selection for the prototype development, testing, and certification of the AMCA program with the F414-INS6 engine underscores its continuing collaboration with the Indian government on the AMCA Mk2 engine program.

H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. — GE Chairman and CEO and GE Aerospace CEO said: “This is a historic agreement made possible by our longstanding partnership with India and HAL.

“We are proud to play a role in advancing President Biden and Prime Minister Modi’s vision of closer coordination between the two nations. Our F414 engines are unmatched and will offer important economic and national security benefits for both countries as we help our customers produce the highest quality engines to meet the needs of their military fleet.”

With more than five million flight hours and orders from eight nations for the F414-powered aircraft, the F414 continues to surpass expectations in terms of reliability and operational duration. To date, more than 1,600 F414 engines have been delivered worldwide.

  Defense industry news, GE Aerospace, H. Lawrence Culp, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, India, Indian Air Force, Narendra Modi, USA