Jet engine deal ensures 80% technology transfer to HAL; first engine in three years

Source: The post is based on the article “Jet engine deal ensures 80% technology transfer to HAL; first engine in three years” published in The Hindu on 24th June 2023

What is the News?

American multinational corporation General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a deal during the Indian PM’s state visit to the US. The deal involves the manufacturing of GE’s F414 engine for India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2.

What is GE’s F414 jet engine deal signed between GE and HAL?

According to the agreement, F414 engines will be co-produced in India to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk2.

A noteworthy aspect of this agreement is that 80% of the engine manufacturing will take place within India, with only minor components being sourced from elsewhere.

This infusion of advanced technology represents a major breakthrough for India, solidifying its access to cutting-edge defence technologies.

Moreover, by localizing the production of these engines, India will experience streamlined maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) processes, resulting in improved efficiency.

It will take three years for the first engine to roll out once the contract is signed. 

What is the significance of this Jet engine deal?

Firstly, the deal assumes significance because very few countries around the world have the know-how to develop their own jet engine. So far, only the US, Russia, the UK, and France have the expertise to develop jet engines independently.

– The technology and metallurgy around manufacturing a jet engine capable of powering a fighter aircraft are very closely guarded and remain the single biggest impediment for countries worldwide wanting to develop their own combat aircraft.

Secondly, the 80% technology transfer to HAL is of critical importance. Such a transfer has not happened before and shows the level of trust India evokes in the U.S.