19th June 2023, Mumbai: India and the United States are poised to embark on a significant collaboration in the production of fighter jet engines, aiming to transfer approximately 80 percent of the engine technology by value. As a reported, the deal will be signed between General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The approval for this co-production agreement has been granted at the highest political levels in both countries. The official announcement is expected to take place during the upcoming state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.While the exact figures are yet to be disclosed, the deal is anticipated to be a multi-billion dollar endeavor. Currently, both sides are engaged in final negotiations regarding payment mechanisms, procurement of machinery, and the modalities of technology transfer.
This collaboration represents a remarkable milestone, as the United States has not shared its engine technology to such a significant extent with any other country before. The report highlights that India and HAL will gain access to crucial technologies such as special erosion and corrosion coating, turbine repair techniques, compression disc and blade repair, coating and machining of single crystal turbine blades, as well as comprehensive technology transfer for blisk machining and powder metallurgy.
The process of co-producing jet engines will commence upon the signing of the agreement between GE and HAL. The transfer of technology is expected to occur in phases, with India gradually taking on 80 percent of the value added to the engine within a three-year timeframe. This partnership not only signifies a major stride in India’s indigenous defense production capabilities but also fosters deeper ties between India and the United States in the aerospace and defense sectors. With this collaboration, India is poised to enhance its technological prowess and strengthen its position as a key player in the global aerospace industry.
By Yashika Desai.