This initiative marks a major move to strengthen India’s defence production and promote self-reliance in developing cutting-edge military technology.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expected to finalise a big deal with US defence company GE Aerospace by March to jointly build fighter jet engines in India. These engines will be used in the next generation of Indian combat aircraft, said HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil, news agency PTI. The plan to co-produce GE’s F-414 engines in India was first announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 US visit. However, the project faced delays due to long negotiations over sharing advanced technology.
In a recent interview with PTI Videos, DK Sunil shared that the main technical talks with GE are now done, especially around technology transfer (ToT). “We have agreed on around 80 per cent transfer of technology,” he said. “Those discussions are mostly over. Now, we are working on the commercial side of the deal.”
He added that HAL hopes to finalise the agreement within this financial year, meaning the deal could be signed by March 2025.
This project is a big step towards boosting India’s defence manufacturing and making the country more self-reliant in building advanced military equipment.
India, US move closer to engine deal as GE’s F-414 set to power Tejas Mk2 and AMCA
Progress on the joint production of GE’s powerful F-414 jet engines already used in fighter jets by countries like the US, Sweden, and Australia is being seen as a major breakthrough, especially because the US has traditionally kept tight control over its military technology.
HAL Chairman DK Sunil said that these engines will be installed in India’s upcoming Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mark 2 and the first prototypes of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s future fifth-generation fighter. “We’re having regular discussions with GE Aerospace,” Sunil said.
HAL is currently developing the Tejas Mk2 as a more advanced version of the original Tejas, with a stronger engine, better electronic warfare systems, higher payload capacity, and modern avionics.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is also in the process of buying about 180 Tejas Mk-1A jets, at a cost of roughly Rs. 1.15 lakh crore. These single-engine fighters will gradually replace the ageing MiG-21 aircraft in IAF’s fleet.
India boosts air power with AMCA, Tejas jets and Prachand helicopter deal
India is moving forward with its ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, aimed at developing a medium-weight fighter jet with stealth technology and deep-strike capabilities. The AMCA, along with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, is expected to become a core part of the Indian Air Force’s future fleet.
HAL Chairman DK Sunil also spoke about a massive deal signed earlier this year for the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’.
In March 2025, the Defence Ministry approved the purchase of 156 Prachand helicopters from HAL, worth around Rs. 62,700 crore, to strengthen the combat strength of the Indian military. “This is the biggest defence contract in India’s history,” Sunil said. “It’s a huge boost to our mission of self-reliance in defence (Aatmanirbharta).”
He added that the delivery of Prachand helicopters will begin in 2028.
The Prachand is India’s first indigenously designed and built combat helicopter. It can fly at high altitudes, over 4,500 metres, making it ideal for mountain warfare. HAL has already delivered 15 helicopters in a limited series, and full production will now continue.
The helicopters will be completely made in India, and they will come equipped with powerful weapons including rockets and anti-tank guided missiles, giving the military more firepower and flexibility in the battlefield.
(With PTI inputs)
