In a major boost to India’s indigenous fighter jet programme, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Friday signed a major contract with General Electric (GE), USA, for the supply of 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines and associated support packages to power the next batch of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A.

The deal, valued at around $1 billion or ₹8,868 crore, marks a significant step forward in HAL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence production, sources familiar with the contract said. Top representatives from HAL, including CMD DK Sunil, and GE were present at the time of signing of the contract.

Production Boost

With this agreement, the total number of F404 engines ordered from GE for the LCA Mk1A programme rises to 212 — comprising 99 engines contracted in 2021

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