GE’s F414 engine: India’s jet engine deal with the US and why it matters

Source: The post is based on the article “India’s jet engine deal with the US and why it matters” published in Indian Express on 22nd June 2023

What is the News?

During India’s Prime Minister’s visit to the US, it is expected that a deal will be announced between the US General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the manufacture under license in India of GE’s F414 engine for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2.

This agreement will facilitate the transfer of at least 11 critical jet engine technologies to India.

What is GE’s F414 engine?

F414 is a part of General Electric’s(GE’s) suite of military aircraft engines. It has been in use by the US Navy for more than 30 years.

The F414 is a reliable and powerful engine that is well-suited for use in a variety of fighter aircraft. 

It is now being used to power the Indian Air Force’s Tejas Mk2. It is expected to provide the Tejas Mk2 with the performance and operational capability it needs to meet the challenges of modern air combat.

F414 engines may also power the prototypes and the initial batch of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s futuristic fifth-generation fighter aircraft for its Air Force. 

What will be the significance of this jet engine deal between India and the US?

Firstly, it represents a significant step forward for the India-US defense relationship. Previous attempts to share defence technology, such as the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative, did not live up to expectations. The GE deal, which will involve the transfer of technology to India, could mark a decisive shift from these past failures.

Secondly, the deal will allow India to make advanced jet engines. Only a handful of countries — such as the US, Russia, the UK, and France — have mastered the technology and metallurgy needed to manufacture an engine that can power combat aircraft. The jet engine deal will thus be an important step forward in India’s journey to develop a domestic defence industrial base.