HAL's Contract Negotiation Committee Aims to FInalize GE-F414-INS6 Engine Production Deal by March 2025

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is pushing to finalize an agreement for the local production of GE-F414-INS6 engines by March 2025. This ambitious goal is being pursued by a dedicated Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) and represents a significant step towards strengthening India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

The GE-F414-INS6, an advanced variant of the F414 engine, is slated to power India's next-generation combat aircraft, including the Tejas MkII. With its 98 kN thrust, this engine offers a significant performance upgrade over the F404 engines currently used in the Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A variants.

A key aspect of this deal is the unprecedented level of technology transfer, with up to 80% of the engine's technology expected to be shared with India. This includes critical technologies like hot-end coatings, single-crystal blades, and laser drilling.

The CNC will be responsible for hammering out the details of the agreement, including:

• Manufacturing license agreements: Defining the terms for HAL to manufacture the engines in India.
• Technical documentation: Securing access to necessary technical data and drawings.
• Training and support: Establishing training programs and support systems for HAL personnel.
• Commercial aspects: Negotiating price, delivery schedules, and warranties to ensure a cost-effective and strategically beneficial deal.

While an MoU was signed between HAL and GE Aerospace in June 2023, finalizing the deal involves navigating complex details such as the extent of technology transfer, intellectual property rights, and ensuring the terms align with India's long-term strategic goals while remaining commercially viable for GE.

Despite the complexities, both parties have shown a strong commitment to concluding the deal. High-level visits between HAL and GE Aerospace indicate the significance of this partnership.

The local production of GE-F414-INS6 engines will be a major boost for India's aerospace sector, contributing to the "Make in India" initiative and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers for critical defence technologies.

 

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[sanket]

First, the most important thing is the production rate should be over 24 per year. GE needs to plan hot core section production according to 80% production in Bharat. What happened with the GE-404 should not happen with the GE-414.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

I would like to congratulate DRDO for establishing contract negotiation committee for 414 engines. Hopefully we can sign the contract by March 2025. It will take around 3 years to produce the engine locally. Mk2, AMCA depend on these hi tech engines producing 98KN.

 

[Amit]

Hope this doesn't take another 5 years in the making...we need to be fast...

 

[Sandeep]

This is good news as things are now progressing at a fast pace. Ideally we should make a deal before Trump becomes president as he will definitely change the deal by reducing the amount of technology that gets transferred to us and increase the price at the same time.

 

[Koorma]

The IAF and MoD are playing dangerous games. They have learned nothing from the US policy of sanctions.

 

[Rainbow11]

This government blamed congress government for delay in development of Tejas, yet it failed to deliver its promises.

 

[Arvind Sharma]

HAL and Babus must commit the felony of breaking their own records.
I am dead sure that the deal will not be signed by March 2025.