SOURCE: AFI
Vikram Rai, Chief Executive of GE Aerospace South Asia, announced that the company is set to begin manufacturing the F414 jet engine in India soon. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit on Monday, Rai confirmed that the engines, which will power the Tejas MkII fighter jet, will be produced in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at a facility in Bangalore.
This development comes as India seeks to boost its indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities while reducing its dependence on foreign military imports. HAL and GE are expected to finalize a deal for 99 F414 engines by the end of 2024, with production anticipated to start in the next three years. The first deliveries are expected to occur by late 2027 or early 2028.
As part of this collaboration, HAL has already secured 12 F414 engines to be used for the Tejas MkII pre-production jets, which will undergo extensive developmental trials. These trials are crucial for validating the performance of the F414-powered Tejas MkII before the aircraft is cleared for full-scale production. The Tejas MkII fighter jets are slated to enter production by 2028-29, a major milestone for India’s homegrown combat aircraft program.
The manufacturing of the F414 engines in India is expected to strengthen India’s aerospace ecosystem, bringing advanced jet engine technology to the country. The F414, known for its high thrust and reliability, will not only enhance the performance of the Tejas MkII but also support India’s broader vision of becoming a global hub for defense production.