In a landmark development, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) of India and GE Aerospace, a US aerospace giant, have reached a crucial technical agreement on the co-production of fighter jet engines. This agreement is expected to lead to a final contract signing within the year, significantly enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) as it seeks to address its diminishing fighter squadron strength, particularly in light of potential conflicts with China and Pakistan. GE Aerospace has also signed a contract to establish a depot facility for F404 engines, which power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), a key component of the IAF's future fleet. Rita Flaherty, GE Aerospace's vice president, noted that the technical discussions involved a complex transfer of technology for the advanced F414 engines. The deal entails the manufacturing of 99 engines in India, supporting the Tejas Mk2 variant, with a projected demand for 120-130 units. The collaboration underscores a commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing and strengthens the long-standing partnership between India and the US in aerospace technology.