Seeking to cut down delays in aircraft manufacturing projects, a team from India is scheduled to visit the US for talks to complete the GE-414 engine deal by the end of March.
The team comprises officials from HAL and are visiting the facilities of the American engine maker GE. The members are set to hold detailed discussions on all the aspects of the programme and prepare for an early signing of the deal, officials told the source.
India has been facing issues due to delays in the supply of jet engines for its LCA Mark1A and LCA Mark 2 programmes. While the GE-404 engine supplies for the 83 LCA Mark 1A project have been delayed due to supply chain issues faced by GE globally, the GE-414 project has not yet been signed.
This may delay the prestigious LCA Mark2 project which is planned to be inducted in large numbers as a 4.5 generation aircraft. The LCA Mark 2 is likely to be the replacement for the Mirage-2000, Jaguar and MiG-29 fighter jet fleets in the Indian Air Force.
There are only a few countries with capabilities to manufacture jet engines, including the US, France, UK and Russia. Most of the fighter jets in the world are powered by American, Russian and European engines.
India has now started working to develop an engine of its own and may be aligning with a global manufacturer soon in this regard.
