India to Acquire 5th Generation Jet Engine from GE for AMCA
Amid ongoing tariff tensions, India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and US-based General Electric (GE) are in the final stages of signing several defense agreements related to jet engines. According to HAL sources, the largest deal is set to be for the GE-414 engine, which will power India's fifth-generation indigenous fighter aircraft – AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft).
GE has agreed to HAL's demand for 80% technology transfer for this engine. It is yet to be finalized whether GE will independently secure consent from its other technology partners or assist HAL in these negotiations.
Domestic Production of GE-414 Engine in India
Once the deal is signed, GE-414 engine production will begin in India. HAL has already procured 10 GE-414 engines to ensure uninterrupted development of the AMCA project.
Approval for 97 Tejas Mk1A Jets
On August 19, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the purchase of 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, with an estimated budget of ₹66,500 crore. To support this order, HAL will procure 113 GE jet engines from GE.
Earlier, HAL had an order for 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft. The first two jets under the new deal will be delivered to the IAF in October. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will officially hand over these aircraft in Nashik. These fighters are equipped with advanced weapons, including short-range and beyond visual range air-to-air missiles. Test flights have already been conducted.
Tejas Production Capacity Expands
HAL has two production lines in Bengaluru and has set up an advanced facility in Nashik. Plans are underway to establish an additional assembly line, which will enable HAL to produce up to 24 LCA jets annually.
Past and Current Engine Deals with GE
HAL will pay ₹8,500 crore to GE for 113 engines for the Tejas Mk1A. GE has assured that the current trade tensions (tariff war) will not impact this deal. Previously in 2021, HAL signed a ₹5,500 crore deal for 99 F404-GE-IN20 engines. In total, India has now signed engine deals worth ₹14,000 crore for 212 engines with the United States.
Latest Updates from HAL and MoD
On August 30, Defense Secretary R.K. Singh stated that HAL is expected to deliver two Tejas Mk1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force by September. These aircraft have undergone successful weapon integration.
The government is preparing to sign a new agreement with HAL for an additional 97 Tejas aircraft, valued at approximately ₹67,000 crore. Currently, 38 Tejas jets are operational in the Indian Air Force.