Recent media reports claiming that talks with General Electric (GE) for the local production of GE414 engines have halted have been categorically denied by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
In a formal statement, HAL emphasized that talks with GE are still on track and doing well, clarifying that such rumors are deceptive and factually inaccurate.
For the engines for the TEJAS MK-2 program, the corporation also made it clear that it is not in negotiations with any other engine manufacturer.
“An online article has inaccurately reported that negotiations between HAL and General Electric (GE) for the local production of GE414 engines have stalled, suggesting that HAL is now in talks with another engine manufacturer,” the statement from HAL stated.
The explanation addresses rumors that HAL may be looking at other vendors for the TEJAS MK-2 engine requirement.
HAL emphasized that any assertions to the contrary are unfounded and reaffirmed its dedication to the continued collaboration with GE.
The business emphasized the value of truthful reporting in the delicate defense industry and asked media outlets to confirm facts through proper channels prior to publishing.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the United States in June 2023, a larger deal was struck, which includes the negotiations between HAL and GE.
An important part of the TEJAS MK-2 program, which is essential to modernizing the Indian Air Force’s fleet, is the joint manufacturing of GE’s F414 engines in India, which is what this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) seeks to enable.
With up to 80% of the engine technology being localized, the transaction is also anticipated to involve a considerable knowledge transfer, bolstering India’s defense manufacturing capabilities and advancing the Make in India campaign.
The TEJAS MK-2 is powered by the F414-GE-INS6 engine, a high-thrust, cutting-edge version created to satisfy the exacting specifications of India’s next-generation fighter fighters. By March 2025, the agreement should be finalized, and by April 2028, the first engines should be released from HAL’s Bangalore factory.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the TEJAS MK-2, this alliance is anticipated to assist other domestic fighter programs, such as the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
HAL has vehemently disputed that talks with GE have stalled, restating that they are proceeding according to schedule and that no parallel discussions are taking place with other engine manufacturers. The continued partnership is viewed as a key component of India’s aspirations for aerospace technology and defense independence.
