GE Aerospace, based in the USA, signed an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to build fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. Aerospace’s F414 engines will be co-produced in India to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 under the new arrangement. The news comes during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the United States.
The arrangement “includes the potential joint production of GE Aerospace’s F414 engines in India,” according to a news release from General Electric. The US firm stated that it was still working with the government “to receive the necessary export authorization” for the same.
The arrangement “includes the potential joint production of GE Aerospace‘s F414 engines in India,” according to a news release from General Electric. The US firm stated that it was still working with the government “to receive the necessary export authorization” for the same.
The agreement also moves forward GE Aerospace’s previous commitment to build 99 jet engines for the Indian Air Force as part of the LCA Mk2 programme.
As China asserts itself more in the Indo-Pacific, the significance of the agreement grows. It is part of an initiative to strengthen defence and technology collaboration between India and the United States. During the state visit, Biden and Modi will also discuss a deal for General Atomics’ MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, as well as a new defence partnership that will allow American Navy ships to undergo significant repairs at Indian shipyards.
