PM Modi meets H Lawrence Culp Jr, CEO GE Aerospace at White House Washington
PM Modi meets H Lawrence
Culp Jr, CEO GE Aerospace at White House Washington
On Thursday, 22 June, PM Modi met H Lawrence Culp Jr, CEO GE Aerospace at White House Washington.
Subsequently, the aerospace unit of General Electric announced signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The agreement includes the potential joint production of GE Aerospace’s F414 engines in India.This development comes amidst Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to US.
According to H Lawrence Culp Jr, CEO of GE Aerospace, this is
a historic agreement made possible by longstanding partnership with India and HAL. We are proud to place a role in advancing President Joe Biden and PM Modi’s vision of closer coordination amidst the two nations. Adding that GE’s F414 engines are unmatched. “The F414s will offer important economic and national security benefits for both countries as we help our customers produce the highest quality engines to meet the needs of their military fleet.
Earlier today, PM Modi appreciated GE Aerospace
company for its long-term commitment of manufacturing in India.The discussion focused on GE’s greater technology collaboration to promote manufacturing in India, while PM Modi also invited the company to play a greater role in the aviation and renewable energy sectors in India.
In 1986, GE began working with the Aeronautical Development Agency and HAL to support the development of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) with F404 engines.
As per GE Aerospace more than 1,600 F414 engines have been delivered globally.
The pact is significant as India has been sourcing its military jets from Russia and European consortia.
Recently, the IAF bought 36 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault, a French manufacturer of combat aircraft.
In addition, GE will continue to collaborate with the Indian government on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk2 engine programme.
“We are proud to play a role in advancing Biden and Modi’s vision of closer coordination between the two nations. Our F414 engines are unmatched and will offer important economic and national security benefits for both countries as we help our customers produce the highest quality engines to meet the needs of their military fleet,” the US firm said.
Currently, HAL uses GE 404 engines for the 83 light combat aircraft it is manufacturing for the IAF.
GE Aerospace has operated in India for more than four decades with wide engagement in the industry including engines, avionics, services, engineering, manufacturing, and local sourcing. GE Aerospace’s F404 and F414 have been part of the development and production of LCA Mk1 and LCA Mk2 programmes.
In total, 75 F404 engines have been delivered and another 99 are on order for LCA Mk1A.
Eight F414 engines have been delivered as part of an ongoing development programme for LCA Mk2.
News input KV Raman
