HAL Dismisses Rumours of Stalled GE414 Engine Deal, Affirms Steady Progress on TEJAS MK-2 Collaboration

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)  has strongly denied recent media claims that its negotiations with General Electric (GE) over the production of GE414 engines have come to a halt. The company called the reports “fake news” and confirmed that discussions are very much on track, with no deviation from the original plan agreed upon between both parties.

In a clear and detailed statement, HAL emphasized that it is not exploring alternative engine suppliers for the TEJAS MK-2 fighter jet program, directly rejecting speculation suggesting otherwise. “The report is inaccurate and misleading. We are not in talks with any other manufacturer for the TEJAS MK-2 engines,” the company said.

This rebuttal comes amid rumours that HAL might be shifting its focus away from GE due to delays or issues in negotiations. However, HAL clarified that the partnership with GE remains a critical component of India’s future in defence aviation, and any reports hinting at a breakdown are completely unfounded.

The background to this deal dates back to June 2023, when an agreement was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States. Under this deal, GE and HAL are to jointly manufacture GE’s advanced F414 engines in India. These engines will power the TEJAS MK-2 fighter jets, a next-generation variant of India’s indigenous combat aircraft that is central to the Indian Air Force’s fleet modernisation efforts.

One of the most significant aspects of this agreement is its promise of deep technology transfer. HAL aims to locally produce up to 80% of the engine’s components, marking a huge step forward for India’s ‘Make in India’ and self-reliant defence goals. The transfer of critical jet engine technology from GE to India is expected to create long-term industrial benefits, particularly in the aerospace sector.

The F414-GE-INS6 engine, which is at the core of this agreement, is a high-thrust, modern powerplant tailored to meet the advanced performance needs of the TEJAS MK-2. It is expected to provide improved thrust, endurance, and efficiency compared to earlier versions, allowing the Indian Air Force to deploy more capable and versatile aircraft.

HAL also stated that the final contract with GE is on track to be concluded by March 2025. If all proceeds according to schedule, the first batch of Indian-built F414 engines will be rolled out from HAL’s facility in Bangalore by April 2028.

Beyond the TEJAS MK-2, this engine manufacturing partnership is expected to play a vital role in powering future Indian fighter aircraft, such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), both of which are currently in development stages.

HAL concluded its statement by cautioning against the spread of misinformation in the sensitive area of defence. The company urged media outlets to verify facts through official sources, especially when reporting on strategic national defence initiatives.

In short, HAL has made it clear: the GE414 engine deal is alive and progressing as planned. Far from stalling, it remains a pillar of India’s efforts to build a world-class, self-reliant aerospace ecosystem.