Fighter jet engine deal on track: The technology transfer deal to fighter jet engineAccording to Amy Gouder, President, GE Aerospace Defense and Systems, the project, which was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington DC last year, is progressing smoothly.
In an interview with ET, Gowder revealed that a detailed technical proposal to set up a manufacturing unit in India in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be shared with the state-run company early this year.
Gowder emphasized that the scope of technology transfer to HAL will surpass previous partnerships, and export of engines and components from India is being considered. GE is also keen to contribute to the development of next generation engines for India’s Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and believes it has a technological advantage over its competitors.

Regarding the historic agreement to manufacture GE Aviation’s F414 INS6 engines in India, in which HAL is the major partner, Gowder mentioned that the technology transfer process is currently underway. “Early this year, we will have a proposal for them and that will formalize the agreement with HAL and the government. We will bring in our engineers and supply chain resources to start the co-production. This will take most of this year.” It will take time to get it off and go,” she explained.
The timeline for starting engine production will depend on the requirements of the Indian Air Force and the Defense Research and Development Organisation. However, the broader plan is to prepare for delivery within three years.
The deal, valued at approximately $1 billion, will result in an 80% technology transfer for the F414 engines, including coatings, crystal blades and laser drilling technology for the hot end of the engine. These engines will power its Mk2 version light combat aircraft And initial batch of AMCA. Currently, GE’s F404 engines are used in the under-production LCA Mk1A version and in-service LCA fighter jets of the Indian Air Force.
Gouder acknowledged that although GE has experience in technology transfer, this particular transfer is large-scale. He said, “We have done this before with Korea and Turkey, but never to this level. So, this is a very special technology transfer for India. They (HAL) have more technology than any other partner around the world.” “Will have the most content.”
Read from ET Fighter jet engine deal with GE
Asked about the prospects of GE meeting India’s requirement for next generation fighter engines with at least 110 kilonewton capacity, Gowder confirmed that the company is actively collaborating with the Indian government.