India and US to Finalize F-414 Engine Co-Production Deal for Tejas Mk2 and AMCA by March 2026, Confirms HAL Chief as ToT Negotiations Concluded

India is set to finalize a landmark agreement with United States defence giant GE Aerospace by March 2026 to co-produce the powerful F-414 jet engine, a critical step that will propel the nation's indigenous fighter aircraft programs.

The head of Indian state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), D.K. Sunil, confirmed that the complex negotiations over technology transfer have been successfully concluded.

The agreement, initially announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the U.S. in June 2023, is now moving to the final commercial stages.

Mr. Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, stated that with the crucial discussions on the transfer of advanced technology complete, both parties are focused on sealing the commercial aspects of the deal within the current financial year.

The deal involves an unprecedented 80% Transfer of Technology (ToT), which will significantly boost India's domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.

This collaboration represents a major milestone in the India-U.S. strategic partnership, as Washington has historically maintained stringent controls over its high-end military technologies.

The GE F-414 engine is a proven, high-performance powerplant used in advanced fighter jets globally, including the US Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, Sweden’s Gripen, and Australia's EA-18G Growler.

Its production in India will provide a massive impetus to the nation's goal of self-reliance ('Aatmanirbharta') in defence.

The engines are slated to power India’s next generation of combat aircraft.

Specifically, they will be integrated into the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 2, a more formidable version of the indigenous Tejas fighter. The F-414 engine, which generates 98 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust, will equip the Tejas Mk2 with a more powerful engine, superior load-carrying capacity, and advanced electronic warfare systems.

Furthermore, the F-414 engines will be used for the initial prototypes of India's most ambitious aerospace project, the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The AMCA is being developed as a medium-weight, deep penetration stealth fighter, designed to feature advanced capabilities such as supercruise and a low radar cross-section.

The successful integration and domestic production of the F-414 engine are considered fundamental to the timelines and success of both the Tejas Mk2 and the futuristic AMCA program, securing the future of Indian air power.

 

HAL Pledges to Deliver Six Tejas Mk1A Jets by March 2026, Points Finger at GE for Failing to Supply F404 Engines On Time

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

There seems to be a wide gap of ideas, situational awareness, conflict of interest between DRDO and HAL who are at present the sole IAF providers. HAL has categorically cited the reluctance of GE support for engine supply which has hampered Tejas project. DRDO in particularly Mr. Sunil looks to be overly obsessed with GE engines. Lot of engine suppliers from France, UK, Russia and Japan have shown interest in engine development and some are offering 100% ToT but DRDO seems to be somehow not willing to process the offers and want to be fooled by the GE.

 

[Gladiator_Riyal]

Seeing these news for technology transfer is great and all that but let's get this straight as per my conclusion, I think this may be a part of India and US deal as we haven't bought f-35 but buying f-414, I think is somewhere india is trying to keep good relations with US. How did I came to this conclusion is as the news came that Trump's gonna drop a economic buster bomb on the the trioka. Seeing the sudden news of a deal between govt of India and GE. Now let me give you some backstory on India US relations. There was a statement of trump/their ministry that "India is trying very hard for a deal on sanctions". Which in fact sounded like US isn't trying very hard for a deal which made the ministry and the people of India very angry on the arrogant behaviour. Which may have damaged the deal. Iam also attaching a text for comparison of the f-414 engine for better understanding. There is also a thing that f-414 is not very good for stealth and I also think that it is a very short term goal. And also I have we focus more on Long term goals (makeing engines ourselves) As per my opinion.