india-negotiating-usd-1-billion-deal-for-113-ge-404-engines

India is near signing a USD 1 billion deal with the American firm GE to get 11 more GE-404 engines for the indigenous combat aircraft. Indian state-owned firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) already inked a deal for 99 GE-404 engines with the GE firm for the initial 83 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF), and these 113 would be in addition to that. The deal will likely be finalised by the month of September.

 

The negotiations are almost finalised for the purchase of 113 more GE-404 engines from the American firm GE for the 97 LCAs.

 

The deal is expected to help HAL to complete the requirement for GE-404 engines in continuity, avoiding any types of delays in engine supplies. HAL is working to supply the first 83 aircraft by the end of 2029-30 and the next batch of 97 LCA Mark 1As by 2033-34, informed the defence officials.

 

American GE is expected to supply two engines per month from now on to fulfill its commitment for the Indian programme.

 

 

Meanwhile, the HAL is also undergoing talks to deal with GE for buying its GE-414 engines with 80 per cent transfer of technology. The Indian side requires 200 GE-414 engines for its LCA Mark 2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

 

The around USD 1.5 billion deal is likely to be signed in the next few months, and negotiations for it have been going on for a long time now, the officials said. The Indian side requires 162 engines for the LCA Mark 2 aircraft and 10 others for the five prototypes of the AMCA.

 

The programme will help the IAF to replace its fleet of MiG-21s, which are finally being phased out by the government in the next few weeks. The indigenous fighter jet project is fully backed by the Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters and is set to be a big boost for promoting indigenisation as well as give major business to the small and medium enterprises engaged in defence business across the country, defence officials said.

 

India is already working on an indigenous fighter aircraft engine project and will be working with the French firm Safran for it.