GE Aerospace has signed a contract with the Indian Air Force to establish an in-country depot facility for the F404-IN20 engines that power India’s indigenous HAL Tejas fighter jets. The move is expected to strengthen India’s defence self-reliance and significantly improve aircraft availability.
The new facility will be set up within India and will be owned, operated, and maintained by the Indian Air Force. GE Aerospace will provide technical expertise, training, support staff, and supply of critical spare parts and specialised equipment. Once operational, the depot will eliminate the need to send engines abroad for repairs and overhauls, reducing downtime and improving turnaround time.
The F404-IN20 engine is a key component of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft fleet, which forms a crucial part of India’s air defence capabilities. By enabling in-country maintenance and repair, the Indian Air Force aims to enhance operational readiness and reduce dependency on overseas service centres.
Rita Flaherty, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Defense and Systems at GE Aerospace, said the partnership reflects the company’s continued commitment to India’s defence sector. She noted that the upcoming depot facility would support the long-term availability and performance of the F404-IN20 engines while ensuring access to advanced technology for India’s defence needs.
This agreement marks another milestone in the over four-decade-long partnership between GE Aerospace and the Indian Air Force. Over the years, GE’s engines and systems have powered several key Indian military platforms. Apart from the Tejas aircraft, GE engines are used in the Indian Navy’s Boeing P-8I Poseidon and MH60R helicopters, as well as the Indian Air Force’s AH-64 Apache helicopters. Additionally, GE’s LM2500 marine gas turbines power naval assets such as the INS Vikrant and Shivalik-class frigates.
GE Aerospace has also played a significant role in developing India’s aerospace ecosystem. The company has trained over 5,000 individuals in manufacturing skills through various initiatives and has developed engineering talent through its Edison Engineering Development Program. Its India Technology Centre in Bengaluru continues to contribute to cutting-edge aviation research and innovation.
In recent years, GE Aerospace has further strengthened its presence in India through partnerships and skill development programmes. In 2025, the GE Aerospace Foundation, in collaboration with United Way, launched the “Next Engineers” initiative in Bengaluru to support young engineering aspirants.
The establishment of this depot facility aligns with India’s broader push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing and maintenance. It is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring faster servicing of engines, reducing operational delays, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the Tejas fleet.
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