GE Aerospace signs MoU with HAL, to produce fighter jet engines for Tejas Mk2

US-based GE Aerospace has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. As per the new agreement, Aerospace's F414 engines will be co-produced in India to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk2. The development comes amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US. 

According to an official press note from General Electric, the agreement “includes the potential joint production of GE Aerospace’s F414 engines in India”. The US company said that it was still working with the goverment “to receive the necessary export authorization” for the same. 

The announcement will also advance GE Aerospace's earlier commitment to build 99 engines for the Indian Air Force as part of the LCA Mk2 program.

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The deal assumes greater significance as China becomes more assertive in the Indo-Pacific. It is part of an effort to improve defense- and technology-sharing between the India and US. During the course of the state visit, Biden and Modi will also discuss a deal for MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones made by General Atomics, and a new defense pact that will allow American Navy ships to undertake major repairs at Indian shipyards.

The two leaders also plan to debut a series of semiconductor deals designed to take advantage of Indian subsidies intended to bring advanced technology manufacturing to the South Asian nation.

(With inputs from agencies)