India’s state-owned aerospace company, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), announced on Friday that it has signed an agreement with US manufacturer General Electric (GE) to procure more than 100 jet engines for the indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft. The engines, identified as GE Aerospace F404 variants, will power the advanced Tejas Mk1A model — marking a significant milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its air combat capabilities.
The deal, which covers the supply of 113 engines, underscores a growing defense partnership between New Delhi and Washington, even as both countries navigate trade tensions. The United States recently imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods as part of a broader response to New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian oil, straining economic ties between the two democracies.
Despite the friction, both US President and Indian Prime Minister have struck a more conciliatory tone in recent weeks, seeking to stabilize relations after a sharp diplomatic downturn in August. The new engine agreement reflects a shared interest in strengthening defense collaboration, particularly amid regional security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
India, one of the world’s largest arms importers, has prioritized self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The $7 billion order for 97 additional Tejas Mk1A aircraft, placed last month, further demonstrates this push. As India keeps a close watch on evolving threats from neighboring countries, especially Pakistan — with whom it fought a brief but intense four-day conflict in May — bolstering indigenous airpower remains a strategic imperative.
