Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has refuted recent media reports suggesting that its negotiations with General Electric (GE) for the local production of GE-F414 engines have stalled. In an official statement released on Tuesday, the defence PSU dismissed such claims as factually incorrect and misleading, reiterating its full commitment to the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 program.
The clarification follows a report alleging that talks between HAL and GE had slowed down and that HAL was considering alternative engine suppliers. HAL categorically denied the claims, asserting that discussions with GE are on track and progressing well. The company emphasized that it is not in negotiations with any other engine manufacturer for the LCA Mk2.
“The report is factually incorrect and misleading. HAL reiterates that negotiations with GE are on track and progressing well, and that HAL is not in talks with any other company regarding engines for LCA Mk2. Any information suggesting otherwise is incorrect,” read the statement from the Bengaluru-headquartered firm.
The GE-F414-INS6 engine is the chosen powerplant for the LCA Mk2, an upgraded variant of the Tejas fighter jet currently under development by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the Indian Air Force. The LCA Mk2 is expected to feature enhanced range, payload, and avionics. The GE-HAL partnership includes critical technology transfer and domestic manufacturing under the Make in India initiative, with a Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 6, 2023. The contract negotiation committee was formed in December 2024, with the aim of finalizing the agreement by March 2025.
HAL also took the opportunity to caution against the publication of unverified information in the sensitive defence domain, warning that such reports could erode stakeholder confidence and disrupt national security initiatives. The company urged media outlets to verify facts through official channels before reporting on strategic defence projects.
The clarification indirectly addresses other rumours circulating in defence circles, including speculative reports of Japan’s IHI XF9-1 engine being offered for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). HAL’s reaffirmation of its alignment with GE suggests that the focus remains on finalizing the LCA Mk2 roadmap as planned.
With the LCA Mk2 expected to play a central role in replacing India’s aging fighter fleet, timely execution of the engine production deal is seen as critical. HAL’s public statement signals its intent to ensure transparency and consistency as it advances India’s defence self-reliance agenda.
