In a major boost to India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, GE Aerospace has inked a landmark agreement with the Indian Air Force on Monday. The deal paves the way for establishing a dedicated repair and maintenance depot for the F404-IN20 engines that power the indigenous Tejas fighter jets.
The facility will be fully built and operated within India, under the direct control of the Indian Air Force. GE Aerospace will provide critical technical expertise, training programs, support staff, spare parts, and specialized equipment to ensure seamless operations.
This strategic partnership aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in defense maintenance capabilities, significantly reducing dependence on foreign facilities. Once operational, the depot is expected to drastically cut down turnaround times for engine repairs, thereby boosting the operational readiness and availability of the Tejas fleet.
Rita Fleherty, Vice President of Defense and Systems Sales and Business Development at GE Aerospace, emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to strengthening India’s armed forces. ‘This collaboration will ensure higher engine availability for the Tejas fleet and deliver timely access to cutting-edge technology for the IAF,’ she stated.
GE’s deep roots in India’s defense ecosystem are well-established. Its engines power the Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and MH-60R helicopters, as well as the IAF’s AH-64 Apache helicopters. Additionally, GE’s LM2500 marine gas turbines drive INS Vikrant and the P-17 Shivalik-class frigates.
For over four decades, GE has been an integral part of India’s aviation sector, with a manufacturing plant in Pune and 13 Indian partners integrated into its global supply chain. This new depot marks yet another milestone in fostering indigenous capabilities and technological sovereignty in India’s defense landscape.