SOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced that negotiations are still underway with General Electric (GE) regarding the local manufacturing of the F-414 engine in India. This engine is pivotal for the Tejas MkII fighter jet program and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) MkI project. While the discussions continue, GE has confirmed that it will retain the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for the engine. Additionally, any export of fighter jets equipped with the F-414 engine will require export clearance from the United States.
The F-414 engine is a high-performance turbofan engine known for its reliability and advanced technology. It is designed to provide superior thrust and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for the next generation of Indian fighter jets. The Tejas MkII and AMCA MkI programs are central to India’s efforts to modernize its air force and enhance its indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
GE will maintain the IPR for the F-414 engine. This means that while HAL will manufacture the engines locally, the underlying technology and proprietary designs will remain under GE’s control. Any export of aircraft equipped with the F-414 engines will necessitate export clearance from the United States. This condition underscores the strategic control retained by GE and the US government over the use and distribution of advanced defense technologies.
HAL plans to manufacture nearly 400 F-414 engines over the next decade. These engines will be used to equip 200 Tejas MkII Fighter Jets, which is an upgraded version of India’s indigenous light combat aircraft, featuring enhanced capabilities and performance improvements over its predecessor. 40 Twin-engine AMCA MkI Fighter Jets will also be powered by the F-414 engines.