India Nears Final Agreement on GE Engines for LCA Mark 1A Jets

Quick Summary

• India is close to finalizing a $1 billion deal with U.S.-based General Electric (GE) for 113 GE-404 engines to power the indigenous LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has already procured 99 GE-404 engines for the first batch of 83 LCAs.The new deal will cover requirements for the next 97 fighters, ensuring seamless production.
• HAL plans to deliver the first batch of 83 fighters by 2029-30 and the additional 97 by 2033-34, with GE ramping up engine deliveries at two units per month.
• HAL is negotiating another larger contract worth $1.5 billion for over 200 GE-414 engines required for newer models like LCA Mark 2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), including an estimated transfer-of-tech level of up to 80%.
• Parallel efforts in collaboration with French firm Safran are underway to develop an indigenous engine project aimed at further self-reliance in defense technology, notably future AMCA jets.

Indian Opinion Analysis

India’s drive towards indigenization through projects like HAL’s expansion reflects a strategic effort not only to modernize its air force but also reduce reliance on foreign suppliers in defence production-critical given geopolitical sensitivities and evolving global supply chains. The procurement of GE engines plays a transitional role while local capabilities mature. Collaboration with Safran underlines India’s ambition for technological sovereignty in aerospace engineering.

From an economic perspective, this initiative could generate significant opportunities for MSMEs involved in defense manufacturing, bolstering employment within domestic industries and promoting innovation ecosystems around such high-tech programs. Moreover, phasing out older fleets like MiG-21s ensures that India integrates cutting-edge aircraft into service while prioritizing long-term operational sustainability.

Read More: The Hindu