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Analiza Pathak
Born in Guwahati, raised in Mussoorie and Delhi, She grew up reading magazines more than textbooks. She is an experienced writer/editor and has shifted focus to various aspects of communication. Her a ... Read More
India is close to finalizing a USD 1 billion (roughly around Rs. 8,300 crore) agreement with US company GE to buy 113 more GE-404 engines for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. According to reports by ANI, quoting defence sources, the discussions are almost complete, and the deal is expected to be signed by September. Under this agreement, GE will supply around two engines every month to meet its commitment to the Indian LCA programme.
This will be the second major deal with the US company after the tariff dispute with Donald Trump’s presidency. The first was a Rs. 62,000 crore deal to buy 97 additional LCA Mark 1A fighter jets.
State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had earlier signed a contract for 99 GE-404 engines to power the first batch of 83 LCA Mark 1A aircraft. This new agreement will add 113 more engines to support the production of the 97 additional jets ordered by the Indian Air Force.
Defence officials said the final round of talks is almost done, and the agreement should be signed by September this year.
The deal will help HAL move closer to its goal of securing a total of 212 GE-404 engines without facing supply delays.
In addition to this, India will also need about 200 GE-414 engines for the upcoming LCA Mark 2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) projects.
HAL plans to deliver the first batch of 83 LCA Mark 1A jets by 2029-30, followed by another 97 aircraft by 2033-34. At the same time, the company is in talks with GE for a deal on GE-414 engines, which is expected to include 80% transfer of technology to support India’s defence manufacturing goals.
At the same time, India is making progress toward its long-term goal of becoming self-reliant in defence technology. As part of this effort, it is collaborating with French engine maker Safran to jointly develop an indigenous fighter jet engine, which will strengthen India’s capability to produce advanced engines within the country in the future.
The comes at a time when India-China relations are under strain following Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 50 per cent tariff on New Delhi over its trade with Russia.
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