In an interview with ET, Gowder revealed that a detailed technical proposal for setting up a manufacturing unit in India, in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), will be shared with the state-run company early this year.
Gowder emphasized that the scope of technology transfer to HAL will surpass previous partnerships, and exporting engines and components from India is being considered. GE is also keen on contributing to the development of next-generation engines for India’s Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and believes it has a technological advantage over its competitors.
GE fighter engine deal
Regarding the landmark pact to manufacture GE Aviation’s F414 INS6 engines in India, with HAL as the lead partner, Gowder mentioned that the technology transfer process is currently underway. “Early this year, we will have a proposal to them and that kicks off formalizing the agreement with HAL and the government. We will bring over our engineers and supply chain resources to start the co-production. It will take most of this year to get it kicked off and going,” she explained.
The timeline for commencing engine production will depend on the requirements of the Indian Air Force and Defence Research and Development Organisation. However, the broad plan is to prepare for deliveries within three years.
Valued at nearly $1 billion, the deal will result in an 80% technology transfer for the F414 engines, including coating for the hot end of the engine, crystal blades, and laser drilling technology. These engines will power the Mk2 version of the Light Combat Aircraft and initial batches of the AMCA. Currently, GE’s F404 engines are used in the under-production LCA Mk1A version and the in-service LCA fighter jets of the Indian Air Force.
Gowder acknowledged that while GE has experience in technology transfer, this particular transfer is on a larger scale. “We have done this before with Korea and Turkey but never to this degree. So, it is a very special technology transfer for India. They (HAL) will have the most content than any other partner around the world,” she stated.
Read From ET | Fighter jet engine deal with GE
When asked about the prospects of GE meeting India’s requirement for next-generation fighter engines with a thrust of at least 110 kilo newtons, Gowder affirmed that the company is actively collaborating with the Indian government.
