U.S. defence company GE Aerospace has announced significant progress toward finalising a co-production agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India's state-owned aerospace manufacturer, for the F414 fighter jet engine. The two sides have been in negotiations for nearly three years since first signing a framework agreement, and are now close to concluding the key terms of the partnership. The deal would see advanced jet engines manufactured in India for use in future Indian combat aircraft, marking a notable step in defence technology transfer between the United States and India.