India is on the verge of signing a landmark defense agreement with U.S. aerospace giant General Electric (GE) for fighter jet engines, a move set to strengthen the country’s indigenous combat aircraft initiatives. Sources familiar with the discussions reveal that India is finalizing the purchase of 113 GE-404 engines, valued at approximately $1 billion, to power Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A fleet.
This contract, anticipated to be concluded by September, adds to an earlier agreement for 99 GE-404 engines, bringing HAL’s total engine requirements to 212. Completing this acquisition will reduce potential supply bottlenecks and ensure smooth operations for the LCA Mark 1A program.
In addition to this deal, HAL is negotiating a strategic contract with GE for the advanced GE-414 engine, designed for the next-generation LCA Mark 2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) prototypes. Valued at $1.5 billion, this agreement is expected to include an 80% technology transfer component, furthering India’s defense self-reliance agenda. The GE-414 engines are intended for 162 LCA Mark 2 fighters and 10 AMCA prototypes, crucial for replacing the Indian Air Force’s ageing MiG-21 fleet.
Beyond the GE partnerships, India is collaborating with French aerospace firm Safran to co-develop a fully indigenous fighter jet engine. This reflects a multipronged approach that combines domestic capacity building with strategic international collaborations to secure cutting-edge propulsion technology.
Defense analysts highlight that these agreements represent one of the most significant aviation procurements in India’s recent history. They underscore the country’s dual strategy: strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities while leveraging foreign expertise to enhance technological sophistication in the aerospace sector.
With these deals, India is not only reinforcing its existing LCA program but also positioning itself for future advancements in next-generation combat aircraft, paving the way for a modernized and self-reliant defense aviation industry.
