HAL Signs $1 Billion Deal with GE to Supply 113 Jet Engines for India’s LCA Mk1A Fighters

In a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a $1-billion (₹8,868 crore) agreement with General Electric (GE), USA, for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines. These engines will power the next 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, marking a significant leap in India’s aerospace capabilities under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

HAL Signs $1 Billion Deal with GE to Supply 113 Jet Engines for India’s LCA Mk1A Fighters

Expansion of LCA Mk1A Production

With this deal, the total number of F404 engines ordered from GE now stands at 212 units, including 99 engines previously contracted in 2021. The new 113 engines will support the production of 97 aircraft, while additional units will be used for testing and operational backup.
Deliveries are set to begin in 2027 and will continue until 2032, aligning with HAL’s production schedule for the LCA Mk1A fleet.

Strategic Importance and Indigenous Integration

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) approved a ₹62,370-crore procurement plan for 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft — 68 single-seaters and 29 twin-seaters — for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
These new aircraft will feature over 64% indigenous components, such as:

• UTTAM AESA radar
• Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite
• Indian-made actuators and avionics systems

This strong emphasis on domestic content reflects India’s ongoing commitment to defence self-reliance and technology independence.

Previous Contracts and Supply Chain Development

In 2021, HAL signed a $716-million deal with GE for 99 F404-IN20 engines to power the first batch of Tejas Mk1A fighters.
Although delivery was delayed due to the pandemic, it began in 2025.
The new order ensures a steady engine supply for India’s expanding fighter fleet and demonstrates confidence in HAL’s growing manufacturing efficiency.

Future Collaboration and Advanced Engine Development

HAL and GE are also in advanced discussions for joint manufacturing of the more powerful F414 engine in India.
This project aims for an 80% transfer of technology (ToT) — a massive step toward producing advanced jet engines domestically.
The F414 will power India’s LCA Mk2 and fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), marking a technological milestone for the nation’s aerospace sector.

Exam-Oriented Notes

• HAL signed a $1-billion deal with GE (USA) for 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines.
• The engines will power 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
• Total engines ordered for LCA Mk1A: 212 units.
• LCA Mk1A features over 64% indigenous content with UTTAM AESA radar and Swayam Raksha Kavach EW system.
• Deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2032.
• HAL and GE to jointly manufacture F414 engines in India for future aircraft.

Also Read

Question & Answer

Q1. Which company signed a $1-billion deal with GE for 113 jet engines?
(a) DRDO
(b) ISRO
(c) HAL
(d) Bharat Dynamics Limited
Answer: HAL

Q2. The $1-billion HAL-GE contract covers the supply of how many F404-GE-IN20 engines?
(a) 99
(b) 113
(c) 125
(d) 150
Answer: 113

Q3. The new batch of engines will power which aircraft model?
(a) LCA Mk1A
(b) LCA Mk2
(c) AMCA
(d) Rafale-M
Answer: LCA Mk1A

Q4. What percentage of indigenous content will the LCA Mk1A include?
(a) 50%
(b) 60%
(c) 64%
(d) 75%
Answer: 64%

Q5. The upcoming F414 engine is intended for which future Indian aircraft?
(a) Tejas Mk1A only
(b) AMCA and LCA Mk2
(c) Sukhoi-30
(d) Jaguar
Answer: AMCA and LCA Mk2

🔗 Other Useful Links:
📌 Latest Government Job Vacancies
📌 Latest Exam Results
📌 Free Mock Tests