India plans to begin domestic manufacturing of General Electric’s F414 jet engines by the end of 2025, according to Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in an interview with CNBC-TV18. The initiative is seen as important for maintaining the production schedule of the Tejas Mark 2 fighter aircraft.
The F414 engine is slated to power the Tejas Mark 2, an upgraded version of India’s indigenous fighter jet. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is leading the negotiations with GE for the establishment of the production line, which is expected to involve technology transfer.
Singh stated, “This year? I hope so. This is being led by HAL. We don't get into the nitty gritty of that negotiation, but on our part, we've been asking both players, as well as HAL, to try and expedite this so that our production schedule for the future Tejas—I think it's Mark 2—doesn't get affected.” He added, “So yes, that is something that we are nudging from our side, but the nitty gritty of the negotiations we are leaving to these two agencies.”
The Ministry of Defence is monitoring the negotiations between HAL and GE and has encouraged both entities to accelerate the process. The agreement is expected to contribute to local engine production and includes provisions for technology transfer.
Singh also noted that while near-term goals focus on licensed production and assembly with GE, the long-term objective remains achieving full indigenous intellectual property rights in aero engine development.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is a state-owned aerospace and defence company headquartered in Bengaluru. It is engaged in the design, development, and manufacture of aircraft, helicopters, engines, and related systems for military and civil aviation.
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