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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director, Sunil Kumar, has confirmed that the much-anticipated deal for the procurement of F-414 engines from GE Aerospace is set to take place sometime before Mid 2025, although it is now unlikely to be concluded by the end of this year as initially expected. The deal, which is crucial for the Tejas Mk II program, is expected to be a significant milestone in India’s efforts to boost its domestic aerospace capabilities.

The F-414 engine is the key component for powering the Tejas Mk II, the upgraded variant of the indigenous Tejas Mk I fighter aircraft. The deal with GE Aerospace will involve 99 engines, which will be locally manufactured by HAL with a significant 80% Transfer of Technology (ToT). This represents a major step forward for India’s aviation sector, as the F-414 engines will not only support the Tejas Mk II but also enhance the country’s long-term capability in developing and manufacturing advanced fighter aircraft engines.

Sunil Kumar’s statement clarifies that the F-414 deal is now expected to be finalized by March 2025, pushing back the earlier expectations of concluding the deal by the end of 2024. Despite the delay, he reassured that both HAL and GE Aerospace are working towards ensuring a smooth conclusion of the contract, with the primary focus on quality and ensuring that the transfer of technology proceeds without major hiccups.

The delay is attributed to the complexities involved in defense contracts, regulatory processes, and the ongoing efforts to fine-tune the terms of the ToT agreement. With 80% ToT, HAL aims to bolster its self-reliance in engine manufacturing and maintenance, which will be critical in the Tejas Mk II’s service life and future upgrades.

Once the deal is signed, HAL will begin the local manufacturing of the F-414 engines under the Transfer of Technology from GE Aerospace. The 80% ToT arrangement is particularly significant, as it will enable India to develop an indigenous supply chain and reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers for advanced aerospace components. The process of engine assembly, maintenance, and repair will be carried out at HAL’s state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a high degree of indigenization.

This deal will also mark a key moment in India’s defense manufacturing sector as it strengthens the country’s capacity to design, develop, and produce sophisticated aviation technologies. The engines, which are expected to deliver better thrust and efficiency compared to the F-404 engines used in the Tejas Mk I, will significantly enhance the performance and operational capabilities of the Tejas Mk II and potentially other future aircraft programs.

The successful conclusion of the F-414 engine deal will have far-reaching implications for India’s aerospace and defense ecosystem. First and foremost, it will provide a much-needed boost to HAL’s capabilities in manufacturing high-performance engines. With F-414 engines powering the Tejas Mk II, India will have a domestically produced, reliable propulsion system for its multirole fighter jets.

Moreover, the technology transfer will likely catalyze further innovations in the aviation sector as Indian engineers and technicians gain hands-on experience with advanced engine systems. This will pave the way for future engine developments and help India take a giant leap towards self-sufficiency in defense production.

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