‘Factually incorrect': HAL dismisses report of stalled GE414 engine deal, confirms ‘negotiations on track'
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Wednesday, June 4, has refuted a media report claiming that its negotiations with General Electric (GE) over the local production of GE414 engines have stalled. The state-run aerospace and defence company called the report factually incorrect and misleading.
An article published on a website suggested that talks between HAL and GE had faltered and that HAL was exploring engine alternatives with other manufacturers for its light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk2 programme. HAL dismissed this as false.
'HAL reiterates that negotiations with GE are on track and progressing well, and that HAL is not in talks with any other company regarding engines for LCA MK2. Any information suggesting otherwise is incorrect,' the company said in a stock exchange filing.
According to earlier reports, HAL formed a Contract Negotiation Committee to oversee discussions with GE. Talks reportedly began on Dec. 3, 2024, and while no final agreement has been reached, HAL has asked GE for specific technical documents to assess the proposed transfer of technology.
HAL had signed a deal with GE in 2023 to co-produce GE414 jet engines in India. The GE414 engine is a key component for the Tejas Mark 2, an upgraded version of India's indigenous fighter jet. The ongoing deal with GE is expected to involve technology transfer and pave the way for local production, furthering India's long-term goal of strategic autonomy in aerospace.
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