In a significant advancement for India’s defense sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a Manufacturing License Agreement (MLA) with GE Aerospace, focusing on the local production of F414-INS6 turbofan engines. These engines are set to power the forthcoming TEJAS MK-2 fighter jets, marking a pivotal move towards India’s strategy of defense indigenisation and aerospace self-reliance.
This MLA follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was established in June 2023. As part of this agreement, GE Aerospace will transfer up to 80% of the manufacturing and technical data related to the engine to HAL. The arrangement encompasses vital technologies, including single-crystal turbine blades, specialized coatings designed for high-temperature engine sections, and innovative laser drilling processes, all of which are crucial for the development of sophisticated aerospace components.
The F414-INS6 engine boasts impressive performance metrics, delivering a maximum thrust of 98 kilonewtons and achieving a thrust-to-weight ratio of 9:1 when utilizing its afterburner. It is equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and advanced safety systems that are particularly suited for single-engine fighter aircraft. This engine has demonstrated its reliability with over 10 million flight hours accumulated across various global fighter fleets, including well-known platforms such as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the JAS 39 Gripen.
The negotiations leading to the MLA involved extensive discussions on pricing, the scope of technology transfer, and compliance protocols. Notably, key certifications, including the U.S. State Department’s DSP-83 approval, were secured in September 2024, paving the way for the formal signing of this agreement. While the deal’s total value is estimated to be around $1 billion at 2023 price levels, specific pricing details are still under negotiation.
As stipulated in the agreement, a dedicated production facility will be established near Bangalore, and manufacturing is expected to commence within two years following the finalization of the contract. Engine deliveries for the TEJAS MK-2 program are projected to begin within three years, with an initial production target set at 99 engines. Furthermore, the potential for additional orders is on the table to support future platforms, such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The TEJAS MK-2, characterized as a medium-weight fighter jet, will incorporate next-generation avionics and offer a greater payload capacity compared to its predecessor. The integration of the F414-INS6 engine is projected to significantly enhance its combat capabilities and operational range.
This collaboration is anticipated to substantially bolster India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem, diminishing reliance on foreign suppliers and propelling the nation’s long-term vision for defence self-reliance. Furthermore, HAL’s partnership with GE Aerospace is likely to facilitate the path for future indigenous engine development and foster deeper industrial partnerships.
The MLA represents a landmark moment in the evolution of Indo-US defense relations and is expected to serve as a foundational step towards future joint aerospace initiatives centered around the sharing of high-end technologies and co-production efforts.
