HAL's New Engine Facility to Begin Producing Indigenous F414 Engines by 2028
India’s ambitious journey towards self-reliance in defense production is about to take a major leap with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) gearing up to locally manufacture the GE F414 engines. The engines, essential to the country's upcoming Tejas MkII fighter jets, are set to begin rolling out from HAL’s new facility in 2028. This marks a pivotal moment in India's efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign imports for critical defense equipment and boost domestic production capabilities.
The foundation for this significant project lies in the ongoing India-U.S. deal that would see the production of 99 F414 engines under license from General Electric (GE). This technology transfer (ToT) agreement is crucial, as it empowers HAL to produce these advanced engines indigenously. The agreement not only includes the know-how but also the expertise to make HAL a key player in manufacturing high-performance jet engines, a domain traditionally dominated by a few global players.
Once operational, the new HAL facility will begin producing one engine per month in its initial phase. By the time it reaches its full capacity, the facility aims to produce two engines per month, matching the projected requirement for around 24 Tejas MkII aircraft annually by 2030-31. The Tejas MkII, India’s advanced multirole fighter jet, is slated to play a critical role in modernizing the Indian Air Force (IAF) and keeping pace with evolving defense needs. With the IAF’s forecast of needing 200 Tejas MkII jets by 2039-2040, HAL's facility is being structured to expand production, ensuring 30 aircraft annually as demand grows.
The GE F414 engine is renowned for its power and reliability, with a thrust class of 22,000 pounds, making it one of the most widely used engines in modern fighter aircraft, such as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The F414 features advanced technology like full authority digital engine control (FADEC), which optimizes engine performance under various flight conditions, enhancing both the power and efficiency of the aircraft.
For HAL, the challenge is not just building engines but mastering the technology behind them. The establishment of this production facility means creating a local ecosystem of skilled labor, advanced machinery, and logistical frameworks capable of handling such complex manufacturing. HAL’s move to secure a suitable site and begin preparations for this facility is evidence of its long-term vision to become a global defense manufacturing hub.
Furthermore, the ToT agreement is expected to facilitate the transfer of sophisticated manufacturing processes, including materials engineering, precision machining, and quality control—all crucial for building jet engines. These capabilities will bolster India’s high-tech manufacturing sectors, leading to spin-offs in other industries, such as aerospace and advanced engineering.
This production facility represents more than just the making of F414 engines. It’s about ensuring the IAF is equipped with indigenous solutions for its next-generation fighter jets, minimizing reliance on international suppliers. The partnership with GE Aerospace stands to open doors for more collaborative ventures between India and the U.S. in defense technology, cementing strategic ties.
As HAL eyes the 2028 production start date, the successful realization of this facility will be a defining achievement for India's defense industry. It underscores India's march towards self-reliance and technological sovereignty in defense, empowering the nation to design, develop, and produce world-class fighter jets with homegrown engines.
