Indian aerospace company, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has signed a $716 million contract for 99 General Electric F404 engines.

The deal with GE Aviation will see the F404-GE-IN20 engine power the Tejas, a light combat aircraft (LCA) with a single engine

“This is largest ever deal and the purchase order placed by HAL for LCA," said R. Madhavan, chairman and managing director of HAL.

HAL is working closely with GE for its support in pursuing LCA exports and also to supply spares to the global supply chain of GE 404 engines.

Chris Cyr, vice president, business development and sales at GE Aviation, who attended virtually, said his company is proud of the 16-year-long partnership with HAL and is happy to extend the relationship with this new order.

“The F404 family of engines has proven itself in operations all over the world and we have committed to deliver all 99 engines and support services by 2029," he added.

The indigenously-built Tejas aircraft has been in service since 2004. Ordering of the engines marks a major milestone in the execution of 83 LCA contract with Indian Air Force.

The co-operation will be enhanced with the manufacturing of GE F414 engines in India for the upcoming LCA MkII programme.

The highest thrust variant of the F404 family, the F404-GE-IN20 incorporates GE’s latest hot section materials and technologies as well as FADEC for reliable power and outstanding operational characteristics.

The F404 family engines have logged more than 14 million engine flight hours, and has powered 15 different production and prototype aircraft.

www.geaviation.com