New Delhi51 minutes ago
- copy link
The deal to manufacture fighter jet engines between American defense company GE Aerospace and Indian government company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) may be completed soon. Both the companies have agreed on technical matters regarding co-production of F414 jet engines for fighter aircraft.
On Tuesday, the company said that major progress has been made in the talks that have been going on for the last three years. An initial agreement regarding F414 engines was signed between GE Aerospace and HAL during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to America in 2023. Since then both sides were discussing its finer aspects and transfer of technology (ToT).
According to the latest update, both the companies have reached a mutual agreement on technical matters. This is considered a major achievement for the defense sector under India’s ‘Self-reliant India’ campaign and ‘Make in India’.
Domestic depot will be built for Air Force, dependence on foreign countries will end.
Apart from the F414 deal, GE Aerospace on Monday signed another important contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF). Under this, a domestic depot facility will be created in India for the maintenance of F404-IN20 engines. This engine currently powers the Tejas fleet of the Air Force.
Till now, India had to depend on foreign countries for major repairs or maintenance of engines, which cost a lot of time and money. Now this facility will be in India only, which will be operated and maintained by the Indian Air Force itself. GE will provide training and necessary equipment in this.
An initial agreement regarding F414 engines was signed between GE Aerospace and HAL during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to America in 2023.
40 year old partnership between India and US becomes stronger
GE Aerospace said in its statement that this agreement is an important step towards strengthening economic growth and furthering cooperation between India and the US. This will give a new expansion to the partnership of GE and HAL for the last 40 years.
The company believes that this facility will significantly improve the engine turnaround time (repair time) and increase the operational efficiency of the Air Force.
Why is F414 engine necessary for future aircraft?
India is looking for powerful engines for its future fighter aircraft – LCA Tejas Mark-II and AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft). The F414 engine is considered one of the most reliable engines in its category in the world.
Its production in India will not only provide state-of-the-art technology to the Indian Air Force, but India will also become an important part of the global aerospace supply chain.
What did the vice president of GE Aerospace say?
Rita Flaherty, Vice President of Defense and Systems at GE Aerospace, said that our commitment to support the Indian Armed Forces continues to inspire us.
Through this depot facility, we will ensure that the Indian Air Force always has cutting-edge technology available to meet its defense requirements.
What is the difference between F414 and F404 engines?
| feature | F404-IN20 Engine | F414-INS6 Engine |
| Use | Used in current Tejas (Mk1 and Mk1A). | Proposed for future Tejas Mk2 and AMCA. |
| thrust (power) | Around 80-85 kN (kilonewton). | Around 98 kN, which means it is very powerful. |
| specialty | Lightweight and compact design. | Known for its supercruise capability and superior payload. |
Read this news also…
IMF increases India’s GDP-growth-rate estimate to 6.5%: Economy will accelerate despite Middle East crisis; Fear of increase in inflation in 2027
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released new figures regarding India’s GDP growth. According to IMF, despite the ongoing tension in the Middle East, the Indian economy will grow faster than previously estimated.
The institution has increased India’s growth rate estimate to 6.5% for the financial year 2026-27. Earlier in its report released in January, IMF had estimated it to be 6.4%. Read the full news…
Source link
[ad_3]
