GE Aerospace, a prominent US-based aircraft engine supplier, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), India’s public defence firm, to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The agreement, announced on June 22, includes the potential joint production of F414 engines in India, subject to the necessary export authorizations.
GE Aerospace’s collaboration with HAL is a significant milestone, coinciding with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official state visit to the United States. The partnership will contribute to the IAF’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 program, according to a press release issued by GE Aerospace.
Furthermore, this agreement reinforces GE Aerospace’s commitment to building 99 engines for the Indian Air Force as part of the LCA Mk2 program. The company emphasizes the unparalleled performance of its F414 engines, which will provide both economic and national security benefits to both nations.
H Lawrence Culp Jr, CEO of GE Aerospace, expressed his satisfaction with the historic agreement and highlighted the long-standing partnership between GE Aerospace, India, and HAL. Culp acknowledged the role of this collaboration in advancing the vision of closer coordination between the United States and India, as envisioned by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
GE Aerospace announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force, a major milestone amidst Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official state visit to the United… pic.twitter.com/ChOX14Ipao
— ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2023
GE Aerospace has been operating in India for over four decades, and its involvement in the development of the LCA dates back to 1986 when it partnered with India’s Aeronautical Development Agency and HAL to support the LCA program using F404 engines.
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Retired Lieutenant General Sanjay Kulkarni considers this agreement with HAL to be a significant achievement, emphasizing its historical importance.
Presently, GE Aerospace’s F404 and F414 engines are already part of the LCA Mk1 and LCA Mk2 programs. The company has delivered 75 F404 engines for the LCA Mk1A, with an additional 99 engines on order. Additionally, eight F414 engines have been delivered as part of the ongoing development program for the LCA Mk2.
The agreement between GE Aerospace and HAL marks a promising step toward strengthening the Indian Air Force’s capabilities and promoting technological cooperation between the United States and India.
