Positive response has been achieved for a groundbreaking agreement between GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to manufacture fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force, strengthening US-India defense cooperation.

The United States Congress has cleared GE Aerospace’s agreement with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. This very approach has gained increased traction to strengthen Indian-US defense cooperation.

The deal, which was halfway between India and the US during PM Modi’s state visit to the US, has gained approval from the Biden administration. The agreement marks GE's jet engine deal with India, paving the way for an achieved agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), including unprecedented technology transfer and hence, manufacturing jet engines in India and licensing arrangements. 

This particular deal lands as a game-changer fact for both India and the US, favoring a strengthened relationship between India and the US. With the effect of the pact, GE Aerospace has committed to sharing 80 percent of its technology with India to support the production of F414 fighter jet engines. This technology transfer is intended to bolster the operational capabilities of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) MKII. Under this agreement, both parties will collaborate on the production of GE Aerospace's F414 engines within India as part of the Air Force's Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 program.

The partnership forms the basis for future indigenous engines that will likely power military jets and includes the co-production of 99 jet engines that have turned affordable due to the technology transfer.

The F414 engines are well-known for their reliability and performance. With a presence in India for more than four decades, GE Aerospace is set to expand its facilities in the country significantly. This expansion will encompass various aspects, such as the provision of engines, avionics, services, engineering, manufacturing, and local sourcing. The US giant assures its continued collaboration with the Indian government on the AMCA Mk2 engine program.