GE Aerospace and Indian Air Force Announce Strategic Depot Facility for Tejas Fighter Jets
In a significant development for India's defence sector, US-based GE Aerospace has entered into a landmark contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to establish an in-country depot facility dedicated to the F404-IN20 engines that power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Announced on Monday, this initiative is poised to substantially bolster the Tejas fighter programme and align with the government's flagship Make in India campaign, marking a pivotal step in enhancing domestic defence capabilities.
Enhancing Indigenous Sustainment and Operational Readiness
The new depot facility will be instrumental in advancing India's indigenous defence sustainment efforts by providing comprehensive repair and overhaul infrastructure for the F404-IN20 engines. According to a statement from GE Aerospace, this facility will be owned, operated, and maintained exclusively by the IAF, with technical support, training, and supply of spares and specialised equipment furnished by GE Aerospace. Once operational, it is expected to eliminate the reliance on overseas repair centres, thereby significantly improving turnaround times and ensuring higher availability of engines for the Tejas fleet.
Rita Flaherty, Vice-President of sales and business development for defence & systems at GE Aerospace, emphasized the company's commitment, stating, "Our collaboration with India's armed forces continues to guide our efforts in expanding local sustainment capabilities for the Tejas fleet. Through this depot, we will support engine availability, ensuring the IAF has access to cutting-edge technology to meet its defence needs." This partnership builds on a four-decade-long relationship between GE Aerospace and the IAF, underscoring a shared vision for strengthening India's aerospace ecosystem.
Addressing Delivery Delays and Strategic Imperatives
The announcement comes against the backdrop of recent challenges in engine deliveries. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had previously imposed contractual penalties on GE Aerospace for delays in supplying Tejas engines under a $716 million deal signed in August 2021, which involved 99 F404 engines with deliveries scheduled through 2029. Additionally, a subsequent $1 billion agreement in November 2025 for 113 engines, with deliveries planned between 2027 and 2032, has seen only six engines delivered so far, falling short of the promised target of 11 engines in the last financial year.
These delays have impacted the IAF's plans to augment its fighter squadron strength, which has dwindled to 29 squadrons from an ideal requirement of 42 squadrons necessary to safeguard India's borders in potential two-front conflict scenarios. The establishment of the in-country depot is viewed as a strategic move to mitigate such dependencies and enhance operational readiness by streamlining maintenance processes domestically.
Broader Impact on India's Aerospace and Defence Landscape
Beyond the Tejas programme, GE Aerospace's involvement in India's defence sector is extensive. The company's engines power critical assets such as the Indian Navy's P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, MH60R helicopters, and the IAF's AH-64 Apache helicopters. Furthermore, LM2500 marine gas turbines from GE Aerospace provide propulsion for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and the P-17 Shivalik Class frigates, highlighting the company's integral role in India's military aviation and naval operations.
GE Aerospace has been a steadfast partner to India's aviation industry for over 40 years, with approximately 1,400 engines and partner units currently in service across major Indian airlines. This new depot facility represents a continuation of that legacy, focusing on design, development, manufacturing, and sustainment to foster a robust aerospace ecosystem in India. By localising key maintenance activities, the initiative not only supports the Tejas fleet but also contributes to the broader goals of self-reliance and technological advancement in the nation's defence sector.
