GE Aerospace has signed a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to establish a domestic depot facility for the F404-IN20 engines that power the Tejas light combat aircraft fleet, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s defence self-reliance.
The facility will be set up and operated by the IAF, with GE Aerospace providing technical expertise, training, support personnel, spare parts and specialised equipment. Once operational, the depot will remove the need to rely on overseas repair centres, substantially improving maintenance turnaround times and fleet availability.
This initiative represents the latest development in a partnership between GE Aerospace and the IAF that spans more than four decades. The new facility is expected to enhance local sustainment capabilities and support India’s broader push for indigenous defence infrastructure.
Rita Flaherty, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, said the agreement reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting India’s armed forces. She noted that the depot will help ensure greater availability of F404-IN20 engines while providing the IAF with reliable access to advanced propulsion technology.
Beyond this programme, GE Aerospace continues to play a substantial role in developing India’s aerospace ecosystem across design, manufacturing and sustainment. The company has invested heavily in skills development, including training more than 5,000 individuals in core manufacturing capabilities at its Pune facility. Its Edison Engineering Development Programme has also produced 150 engineering graduates locally.
In addition, the GE Aerospace Foundation, in collaboration with United Way, launched the “Next Engineers” initiative in Bengaluru in September 2025. This four-year programme aims to support 4,000 aspiring engineers through college and career readiness pathways.
GE Aerospace engines power multiple Indian military platforms beyond the Tejas, including the Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and MH-60R helicopters, as well as the Air Force’s AH-64 Apache helicopters. Its LM2500 marine gas turbines also provide propulsion for key naval assets such as the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and P-17 Shivalik-class frigates.
