HAL Confirms F-414 Engine Deal for Tejas Mk2 Postponed to Mid-2025, But Reassures on 80% ToT, Quality and Timely Delivery

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director, Sunil Kumar, has confirmed that the highly anticipated deal with GE Aerospace for the procurement of F-414 engines for the Tejas Mk2 program has been postponed to mid-2025.

While initially expected by the end of 2024, the deal, crucial for powering India's advanced light combat aircraft, is now likely to be finalized by March 2025.

Despite the delay, Kumar reassured stakeholders that both HAL and GE Aerospace are committed to ensuring a smooth and successful conclusion to the contract. He emphasized that the focus remains on delivering high-quality engines and ensuring a seamless transfer of technology.

This agreement is a cornerstone of India's efforts to boost its domestic aerospace capabilities. The deal encompasses 99 F-414 engines, which will be manufactured locally by HAL with a significant 80% Transfer of Technology (ToT).

This ToT represents a major leap forward for India's aviation sector, enabling HAL to develop an indigenous supply chain and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for critical aerospace components.

The delay is attributed to the complexities inherent in defence contracts, regulatory processes, and ongoing negotiations to fine-tune the ToT agreement. With 80% ToT, HAL aims to achieve self-reliance in engine manufacturing and maintenance, crucial for the Tejas Mk2's service life and future upgrades.

Once the deal is signed, HAL will commence local manufacturing of the F-414 engines at its state-of-the-art facilities. The F-414 engines, known for their superior thrust and efficiency compared to the F-404 engines used in the Tejas Mk1, will significantly enhance the performance and operational capabilities of the Tejas Mk2.

This landmark deal has far-reaching implications for India's aerospace and defence ecosystem. It will bolster HAL's capabilities in manufacturing high-performance engines, providing a domestically produced, reliable propulsion system for its multirole fighter jets.

Furthermore, the technology transfer is expected to catalyze further innovation in the aviation sector as Indian engineers and technicians gain valuable experience with advanced engine systems.

 

[Akshat]

Indeed twice AB1 = A$$ Burn winner during price negotiations.

At least they get to that stage, and win orders after that too. Mig35 got kicked out of the trials only 😂😂😂😂 And F18 was so costly that GoI said no amount of negotiations can help here. 😂😂

 

[Akshat]

Who cares about MIGS or F/A-18, Rafale-M is not purchased (.)

It has been selected. Soon will be purchased too. Army discussing. But your Migs didn’t even reach that stage. 😂😂

 

[Rajesh]

We already jave some 8 engines for the testing of mk2 and we won't be needing the engines till they r production ready which will again take some 5+ years or more if hal is associated. Enough time to lobby for GE 414 epe engine which is of similar dimensions and has more thrust. Join the program for an indian specific variant with 100 percent tech. Also GE can have a reliable supply chain for their program on this engine unlike what is happening with south korean firm for GE 404. Dont put HAL in this program and should be either kalyani or godrej and gtre.

 

[vyoma]

This deal won't happen even in 2026..the Americans will finally deliver an engine which is lagging by a generation.

And HAL will deliver aircraft which are one generation behind since the MK1A & MK2 are not stealth. Its use will be limited and can be used more against Srilanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar since Pakistan and China are already acquiring stealth aircraft

Dorks in the higher echelons of IAF must emphasize on investing more on productizing Kaveri 82kN and 110kN for the various other platforms including twin engine requirements.

Scrap the MRCA immediately and work for the homegrown next decade. Get the big brains and big guns on Program Bahubali.

 

[AA AAP]

When Swedish SAAB built their Grippen which use same GE engine, did SAAB required 100% TOT ?

When Air India buy the B787 or A350, did the new owner Tata Group require the enginescto be TOT and made in India ?

With the current trend which the LCA was launched in early 1980 and now 2024 or some 40 years later, is it telling us what the IAF future look like ?

Best bet will be make peace with China and Pakistan the first urgent priority. Next is to extend the service life of MIG-21 for another 15 years when HAL can finish negotiation with GE and US govt hopefully.

Remember this is India.

 

[Radium]

By the time HAL recieves these engines, they will have become obsolete

F-414 is a technology from 30 years ago, and F-404 is a technology from 50 years ago. Indians cannot even produce engines from half a century ago.