Boost for IAF! HAL looks to secure billion-dollar GE engine deal for LCA Tejas Mk1A; India-US defence ties in focus
India is on track to finalise a $1 billion deal with US aerospace firm General Electric (GE) for 113 F404-IN20 fighter jet engines, as negotiations between the two countries continue.The engines will power India’s indigenous LCA Tejas Mk1A, supporting the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat defence initiative.Dr DK Sunil, HAL chairman and managing director, told ANI, “We expect to sign it in October. The contract will be worth more than 1 billion. The contract negotiations are done, and the price is finalized. We are only going through the contract details, and we have to sign. Now that this main contract is signed, in October, we will sign the contract with GE for 113 engines…”The order includes 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seat trainers, with deliveries scheduled from 2027-28 over six years. HAL plans to deliver the first aircraft by October, with three jets already ready pending final trials.
LCA Tejas Mk1A and MoD contract
The ministry of defence (MoD) has signed a Rs 62,370 crore contract with HAL for 97 LCA Mk1A jets. HAL aims to complete all 180 aircraft by 2032-33. “By financial year 2032-33, we will finish all the 180 aircraft. That is the target,” Sunil said, as quoted by ET.The Tejas Mk1A is a multi-role fighter designed for air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions, replacing aging MiG-21 fighters. The aircraft features 70% indigenous content, including advanced systems like the UTTAM AESA Radar, with 50% of materials sourced from the Indian private sector, boosting domestic supply chains.
Technology transfer and future plans
HAL is negotiating 80% technology transfer for GE’s F414 engines, which will power the LCA Mk2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This move aligns with India’s push for defense indigenisation and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.Sunil confirmed that tariff-related issues are not affecting GE discussions. The deal is expected to enhance HAL’s manufacturing capabilities and support India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, reported ET.
