HAL Signs Deal With GE to Locally Manufacture F414-INS6 Engines for TEJAS MK-2 Fighter Jets

In a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing ambitions, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has officially signed a Manufacturing License Agreement (MLA) with GE Aerospace for the local production of F414-INS6 turbofan engines. These powerful engines will power the upcoming TEJAS MK-2 fighter jets, marking a significant leap in India's efforts toward defence indigenisation.

This agreement comes after an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June 2023, and paves the way for one of the most advanced transfer of technology (ToT) arrangements India has secured in the aerospace sector. The deal includes up to 80% technology transfer, covering some of the most critical engine technologies, such as special thermal coatings, single-crystal turbine blades, and laser drilling techniques.

The F414-INS6 is a modern afterburning turbofan engine, capable of delivering 98 kilonewtons of thrust with a thrust-to-weight ratio of 9:1. It also features advanced systems like Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and safety mechanisms designed specifically for single-engine aircraft, making it ideal for the TEJAS MK-2, which is envisioned as a medium-weight, multirole combat aircraft.

This engine has already proven its worth globally, with more than 10 million flight hours in platforms like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and JAS 39 Gripen. The ‘INS6’ variant, developed specifically for India, includes customized features to meet the Indian Air Force’s requirements.

The contract negotiations have been rigorous, involving detailed pricing talks, technical evaluations, and scrutiny of the technology transfer scope. While the agreement’s estimated value is around $1 billion (as of 2023 levels), commercial negotiations are still ongoing, and the final deal is expected to be signed by March 2026. Key formalities, including the DSP-83 certification—a U.S. government requirement for defense exports—were completed in September 2024, opening the door for actual production to begin.

A new dedicated manufacturing facility near Bangalore is being planned. Production is expected to start within two years, with the first engine deliveries likely to begin in the third year post-signing. Initially, HAL will produce 99 engines for the TEJAS MK-2, but the number could rise depending on future needs, including for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

This partnership is not just about manufacturing—it’s about building long-term technological capabilities in India. The GE-HAL collaboration is expected to have a lasting impact on the country's aerospace ecosystem, helping reduce dependence on imports and boosting self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

In the bigger picture, this deal represents a strategic milestone for India’s ambition to become a global defence manufacturing hub, and a stepping stone toward eventually developing a fully indigenous engine in the future.