Washington - The United States Congress has given the green light to a groundbreaking initiative fostering Indian-American defense cooperation. The deal between GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics to produce F414 fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force has received official approval.

The accord, solidified during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States in June, marks a significant advancement in India-US defense collaboration. The US Congress has now endorsed the Biden administration's pursuit of the GE jet engine agreement with India, paving the way for implementing the partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This collaboration includes a remarkable technology transfer, indigenous jet engine manufacturing, and licensing arrangements.

A Game-Changing Endeavor:

Under the terms of the agreement, GE Aerospace will transfer 80% of its technology to India to facilitate the production of F414 fighter jet engines. The objective of this technology transfer is to enhance the operational capabilities of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) MKII. This initiative encompasses the joint production of GE Aerospace's F414 engines in India under the Air Force's Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 program.

HAL Chief CB Ananthakrishnan regards this partnership as a pivotal development, as it serves as a foundation for future indigenous engines to power military aircraft. The agreement also encompasses the co-production of 99 jet engines, benefiting from cost savings due to the technology transfer.

Celebrated for their reliability and performance, F414 engines play a crucial role in aviation.

Having had a presence in India for over four decades, GE Aerospace will further enhance its facilities within the country, spanning engines, avionics, services, engineering, manufacturing, and local sourcing.

The US corporation has expressed its commitment to continuing collaboration with the Indian government on the AMCA Mk2 engine program.