US-based aircraft engine manufacturer GE Aerospace has announced a new agreement with the Indian Air Force to set up a depot facility in India for F404-IN20 engines that power HAL Tejas fighter jets. The facility, to be operated by the Indian Air Force with technical support from GE Aerospace, aims to enhance India’s defense maintenance capabilities and reduce reliance on overseas repair centers.
This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the turnaround time for engine repairs and maintenance once the depot becomes operational. Under the agreement, the Indian Air Force will own, operate, and maintain the depot, while GE Aerospace will provide technical expertise, training, support staff, spare parts, and specialized equipment for seamless operations.
Rita Flaherty, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Defence and Systems at GE Aerospace, emphasized the partnership’s significance in supporting India’s armed forces. The establishment of this new facility is poised to enhance the availability of F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas fleet, ensuring timely access to advanced technology for the Indian Air Force’s defense requirements.
GE Aerospace also highlighted its extensive involvement in India’s defense sector, with its engines powering various critical platforms such as the Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, MH-60R helicopters, and the Indian Air Force’s AH-64 Apache helicopters. Additionally, GE Aerospace’s LM2500 marine gas turbines are utilized in the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and the P-17 Shivalik-class frigates.
The company’s longstanding presence in India’s aviation industry spans over four decades, with its Pune manufacturing facility and domestic partners integrated into its global supply chain, further solidifying its footprint in the country.
