Nod for game-changer jet engine technology transfer expected soon: U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti

Subject: Science and technology

Section: Defence

Context:

U.S. Congressional approval for the GE-HAL jet engine deal involving the first ever such technology transfer between India and the U.S. is expected to come through in days.

Jet engine tech transfer:

Both the countries have announced to sign a MoU for the co-production in India of ‘GE 414 Jet Engines’ for the Tejas Mk2 light combat aircraft.
The deal is about manufacturing jet engines in India for Light Combat Aircraft `Tejas’Mk2 and later for AMCA.
The deal was between the US engine manufacturer General Electric and state owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The GE-414 engine:

The turbo engine has been in use by the US Navy for more than 30 years.
The engines are in the thrust class of 22,000 lb or 98 kN and feature advanced technology such as Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC)– the latest aircraft ignition and engine control system that controls engine performance digitally- according to GE.
The use of advanced material and cooling techniques improves performance and extends component life.

F414-powered jets:

Eight nations have F414-powered aircraft in operation.
F414-GE-400 engines power the US Navy’s Boeing F/A- 18E/F Super Hornet and EA18G Growler electric attack aircraft.
Saab’s Gripen E/F fighters use the F414G, the single-engine variant of the F414-GE-400.
As per the company, it can also power emerging platforms like Korean KF-X.

Significance of the deal:

Only US, Russia, the UK and France have mastered the technology of this engine.
It is a major push for self-reliance in manufacturing several critical technologies, including cryogenic rockets engine.
Earlier the DRDO developed the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), which developed the GTX-37 engine for the LCA. Later the Kaveri engine project was sanctioned in late 1989 but found unsuitable for fighter aircraft.

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF):

It is a US-led initiative that aims to strengthen economic partnership among participating countries to enhance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
The IPEF was launched in 2021 with a dozen initial partners who together represent 40% of the world GDP.
The IPEF is not a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) but allows members to negotiate the parts they want to. The negotiations will be along four main “pillars”.

Currently, India and 13 countries located in the Pacific Ocean are its members,

Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.

India agreed to three out of four pillars, which are Supply Chains, Tax & Anti-Corruption and Clean Energy, while India decided to stay away from the Fair & resilient trade Pillar.