New York: GE Aerospace, the US-based aircraft engine supplier announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s public defense firm Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

“GE Aerospace is proud to expand its partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to include the potential joint production of F414 fighter jet engines. As Narendra Modi visits the US, GE is honored to play a role in bolstering cooperation between US and India”, tweeted GE Public Affairs, calling it a historic agreement.

The information has been confirmed by GE Aerospace on their official website. GE Aerospace has operated in India for nearly four decades with wide engagement in industry including engines, avionics, services, engineering, manufacturing, and local sourcing.

The agreement includes the potential joint production of F414 engines in India. Additionally, it shall continue its work with the US government to receive the necessary export authorization for this. These efforts are a part of the IAF’s Light Combat Aircraft (LAC) Mk2 program, a press release issued by the American aerospace company noted.