GE Aerospace, a US-based aircraft engine supplier, has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), a public defense firm in India. The MoU aims to facilitate the production of fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The agreement includes the potential joint production of F414 engines in India, subject to the necessary export authorization from the US government. This collaboration is part of the IAF's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 program. GE Aerospace views the signing of this pact as a significant milestone during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official state visit to the United States.
In addition, the agreement with HAL will further support GE Aerospace's commitment to supplying 99 engines for the Indian Air Force as part of the LCA Mk2 program. H. Lawrence Culp Jr., CEO, GE Aerospace, expressed confidence in the unmatched quality of their F414 engines, highlighting the economic and national security benefits that this collaboration will bring to both countries.
GE Aerospace has been actively involved in the Indian market for over four decades and has previously collaborated with India's Aeronautical Development Agency and HAL in supporting the development of the LCA with F404 engines.
Currently, the company's F404 and F414 engines are utilised in the LCA Mk1 and LCA Mk2 programs. To date, 75 F404 engines have been delivered, with an additional 99 on order for LCA Mk1A. Also, eight F414 engines have been supplied as part of the ongoing development program for LCA Mk2, as stated in the company's press release.
