India Looks to Sign $1 Billion Fighter Jet Engine Deal With GE Next Month: Report

India is close to signing a $1 billion agreement with General Electric (GE) for 113 GE-404 engines to power the next batch of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark 1A, as per ANI reports. 

As per the ANI reports, this follows the government’s recent clearance of a ₹62,000 crore order for 97 more Tejas jets. These engines will add to the earlier order of 99 units, already secured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for the first 83 LCA Mark 1As. 

HAL’s Production Timelines and Engine Supply

As per news reports, in total, 212 GE-404 engines will be acquired to ensure smooth production and timely delivery of the indigenous fighter jets. HAL has set a target to hand over the first 83 aircraft by 2029-30, while the remaining 97 are expected by 2033-34. To meet this schedule, GE is preparing to supply 2 engines each month.

GE-414 Engines, Indigenisation, and Future Plans

Alongside the GE-404 deal, HAL is in advanced discussions with GE to procure 200 GE-414 engines for the upcoming LCA Mark 2 and India’s fifth-generation fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The proposed $1.5 billion agreement is expected to include an 80% transfer of technology. 

According to the ANI report, 162 engines will power the LCA Mark 2, while 10 are designated for 5 AMCA prototypes. This is part of a broader push to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet. 

In parallel, India is also advancing a joint programme with French manufacturer Safran to design an indigenous fighter jet engine, as per news reports.

Read More: India and France to Join Hands on ₹61,000 Crore Fighter Engines Project!

Conclusion 

The upcoming GE engine deals, alongside collaboration with Safran, mark a significant step towards India’s defence self-reliance. With assured production timelines and major technology transfer, the indigenous fighter programme will boost both capability and industry growth.

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