June 30, 2023: The leaders of the United States (US) and India made an important decision during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington DC. Here is everything you need to know about it.
The US government obtained permission for the production of F414 jet engines in India. During the state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington DC, the Congress in the United States was informed about the forthcoming task of signing the agreement.
The F414 is a versatile and powerful jet engine developed by General Electric (GE) Aviation. It is an afterburning turbofan engine that provides a significant amount of thrust for a variety of aircraft applications such as military needs.
It is the first time that the US will share a significant section of highly classified jet engine innovation with a great deal of technology exchange. Likewise, for the first time, the United States will contribute jet engines to a country with which Washington DC does not have a formal agreement.
According to the reports, the entire engine will be available in India. The production will begin with a technology-sharing rate exceeding 50%, and it will increase throughout the course of the production cycle. The entire process will be transparent, and a flexible licensing system will be taken care of. They will have a special agreement that allows them to use the designs and sensitive information they need. The new jet engines will have sophisticated designs and technologies. Since there is a huge exchange of technology between India and the US, it will be more like breaking through into new territories and exploring new possibilities together.
The process will take a few weeks before it reaches the full Congress. It can be understood that the US government has gone through a process of getting official approvals from different departments, including commerce, state, and defence, regarding the manufacturing of jet engines in India. They are following certain regulations called the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The government is now informing the Senate and House committees responsible for the armed services and foreign relations about this decision. However, since India has strong support from both political parties in the US, it is expected that the approval will go smoothly.
Meanwhile, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the manufacturing deal. These jet engines will be used to power Tejas MK 2 fighter planes.
In picture: A rendered photo of HAL Tejas Mk2
Picture source: wikipedia
Explaining the importance of this decision, Sameer Lalwani, an expert at the US Institute of Peace (USIP), said that, it is a significant step for the US to share highly sensitive technology with a non-ally. This technology transfer goes beyond just sharing plans and designs. It involves sharing knowledge and expertise through joint research, manufacturing, and supply chains.
Mr. Lalwani mentioned that this deal gives India access to better fighter jet engines compared to what China has. These engines have greater power and efficiency, a longer service life, and require less maintenance. It also offers India an opportunity to collaborate with the US on technology, research, design, and production of advanced aero-engines. Lalwani further stated that this deal has political importance and can lead to a broader defence technology and industrial partnership between the US and India. It can cover various areas, including basic science, research and development, and the commercialization of new tools for advanced sectors.
