HAL GE deal moves a step closer: F-414 engine to power three indigenous IAF jets including Tejas Mk-2, TEDBF and AMCA

India has moved a step closer to manufacturing the GE F-414-INS6 turbofan engine domestically after Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and GE Aerospace concluded a key technical agreement, marking a significant milestone in the country’s military aviation programme, reports TOI.

With the technical pact in place, both sides are now expected to negotiate the commercial terms of the deal. Once finalised, around 80% of the engine is set to be produced within India. As part of the arrangement, GE will transfer intellectual property rights for components manufactured locally, reducing reliance on foreign original equipment manufacturers.

The engine will play a central role in powering three major indigenous fighter platforms — the Tejas Mk-2, the Twin-Engined Deck Based Fighter, and the initial version of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Officials see the development as critical to strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.


India’s pursuit of a high-thrust engine in the 95–100 kN class dates back to 2008. At the time, GE’s F-414 engine, which powers the F/A-18 Super Hornet, competed with the Eurojet EJ2000. GE eventually secured the deal, though initial US approval allowed only 55% transfer of technology, significantly lower than the current proposal.

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The groundwork for the project was laid in 2023, when HAL and GE signed a memorandum of understanding during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States. The agreement includes transfer of critical technologies such as hot section coating, laser drilling and manufacturing of crystal blades, which are essential for modern fighter jet engines.

Industry experts that spoke to TOI view the collaboration as a pragmatic step, allowing India to build advanced capabilities by leveraging proven technologies. The approach is also expected to help avoid the high costs and risks associated with developing such complex systems from scratch.

(With inputs from TOI)