Archive · 8 Nov 2025
India Seals $1 Billion Deal with GE Aerospace for 113 Tejas Jet Engines
India's airplane maker, HAL, has made a big agreement with an American company called GE Aerospace.
They will buy over 100 jet engines for India's own fighter jet, the Tejas.
These engines are important because India needs to replace its older planes and wants to build more of its own military equipment.
The new engines will start arriving in 2027 and will be delivered until 2032.
This deal is worth about $1 billion.
It's a big step for India to become more self-reliant in defense.
However, there have been delays with a previous order of similar engines, which slowed down the delivery of the Tejas jets.
The Tejas Mk1A jet recently had its first successful flight.
This deal also shows improving relations between India and the US.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has finalized a $1 billion deal with GE Aerospace for 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines.
The engines are destined for India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A fighter jets.
Deliveries of the engines are scheduled to commence in 2027 and conclude by 2032.
The deal includes a support package and aims to bolster India's defense capabilities amid regional security concerns.
Previous engine deliveries from GE Aerospace have faced delays, impacting the rollout of Tejas jets.
- Who
- Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and GE Aerospace
- What
- Signed a deal for 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines for the Tejas light combat aircraft program.
- When
- Friday (prior to article publication)
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To bolster India's fighter jet fleet amidst depleting squadrons and regional security concerns, and to advance indigenous defense capabilities.
Strengthening Indigenous Defense Capabilities
Continued Reliance on Foreign Suppliers
Tejas Program Advancement
Strengthening Indigenous Defense Capabilities
The acquisition of 113 GE engines directly supports the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A program, enabling India to enhance its fighter jet fleet and achieve self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Continued Reliance on Foreign Suppliers
Despite the deal, the past delays in engine deliveries for previous Tejas orders highlight India's ongoing dependence on foreign suppliers like GE Aerospace for critical components, potentially impacting program timelines and national security.
Geopolitical Implications
Strengthening Indigenous Defense Capabilities
The deal signifies warming ties between India and the US, a crucial partnership amidst regional security challenges and China's continuous defense enhancements.
Continued Reliance on Foreign Suppliers
The agreement is occurring despite months of tariff-induced tensions between the US and India, suggesting that defense needs may override trade disputes.
- Companies Involved
- Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), GE Aerospace
- Number of Engines
- 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines
- Aircraft Program
- Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A
- Previous Order
- 99 engines ordered in 2021
- Delivery Start
- 2027
- Delivery End
- 2032
- Deal Value
- Approximately $1 billion (Rs 8,870 crore)
- Tejas Mk1A First Flight
- October 17
Sources
‘Fighter Jet Engines Will Soon Be Made In India’: Rajnath Singh On India's Defence Reforms
HAL signs deal with GE Aerospace for 113 jet engines for Tejas light combat aircraft programme: What we know
HAL Reaches Mega Deal With GE Aerospace To Procure 113 Jet Engines For Tejas Mk1A Aircraft
India signs deal with General Electric to procure 113 US engines for Tejas fighter jets
HAL signs $1-billion deal with GE for 113 engines to power LCA Mk1A fleet
‘Made in India, by Indians’: Indigenous fighter jet engine production to begin next year, says Rajnath Singh
From Bihar Polls To Op Sindoor And LAC: Full Text Of Exclusive Rajnath Singh Interview
HAL-GE Big Defence Deal: What’s Inside India-US Mega Aerospace Pact to Procure 113 Jet Engines
HAL Signs Pact For 113 Jet Engines To Power Tejas Mark 1A Fleet
New Delhi signs deal with US company to buy 113 engines for Tejas fighter jet. What does it mean for India?
