HAL and GE Partner for Local Production of F414-INS6 Engines for TEJAS MK-2 Jets

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a Manufacturing License Agreement (MLA) with GE Aerospace to facilitate the domestic production of F414-INS6 turbofan engines. These engines are set to power India's forthcoming TEJAS MK-2 fighter jets, marking a significant advancement in India's pursuit of defense self-reliance and indigenous aerospace capabilities.

This agreement comes in the wake of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established in June 2023. According to the terms, GE Aerospace will transfer up to 80 percent of the engine's manufacturing and technical data to HAL. The deal encompasses key technologies, including single-crystal turbine blades, special coatings for high-temperature engine sections, and sophisticated laser drilling processes.

The F414-INS6 engine is a high-performance turbofan capable of delivering a maximum thrust of 98 kilonewtons and boasts a thrust-to-weight ratio of 9:1 with afterburner. It includes Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and safety systems specifically designed for single-engine fighter jets. This engine model has proven its reliability with over 10 million flight hours across global fighter fleets, notably in the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the JAS 39 Gripen.

Negotiations for this agreement involved meticulous discussions on pricing, the scope of technology transfer, and compliance requirements. Critical certifications, such as the U.S. State Department’s DSP-83 approval, were secured by September 2024, paving the way for the formal signing of the MLA. Although the total deal value is projected at around $1 billion based on 2023 prices, pricing specifics are still being finalized.

A new production facility will be set up near Bangalore under the agreement’s terms. Manufacturing is slated to commence within two years of finalizing the contract, with engine deliveries for the TEJAS MK-2 program expected to begin within three years. The initial production goal is set at 99 engines, with room for additional orders to support future platforms like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The TEJAS MK-2, classified as a medium-weight fighter, will be equipped with next-generation avionics and will offer greater payload capacity compared to its predecessor. The integration of the F414-INS6 engine is expected to significantly boost its combat performance and range.

This strategic partnership is anticipated to enhance India's aerospace manufacturing capabilities, diminish reliance on foreign suppliers, and further the nation’s vision for long-term defense self-sufficiency. HAL's collaboration with GE Aerospace also paves the way for future indigenous engine development and expanded industrial cooperation.

The agreement signifies a milestone in Indo-US defense relations, likely serving as a cornerstone for future joint aerospace ventures involving advanced technology sharing and co-production.