New Delhi: In a significant boost to India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative in the defence sector, US-based General Electric (GE) Aerospace announced on Monday, April 13, 2026, the signing of a landmark contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF). The agreement facilitates the establishment of an in-country depot facility dedicated to the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the F404-IN20 engines. These engines currently power the IAF’s fleet of 35 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas jets and are slated to power the 180 Tejas Mark 1A fighters currently under production.
The upcoming facility, which will be owned and operated by the IAF with technical support and training from GE Aerospace, is designed to ensure a much faster turnaround for engine servicing. By creating local sustainment capabilities, the move effectively eliminates India’s reliance on overseas repair centres, which has historically led to prolonged maintenance cycles. GE Aerospace will provide specialized equipment, a steady supply of spares, and technical staff to support the IAF in maintaining the high operational readiness of its indigenous fighter fleet.
Rita Flaherty, Vice President at GE Aerospace, emphasized that this collaboration marks a new chapter in the company’s four-decade-long partnership with India. Beyond the Tejas, GE engines already play a critical role in India’s defence architecture, powering the Navy’s P-8I aircraft and MH60R helicopters, as well as the IAF’s Apache attack helicopters. This project further integrates GE’s Pune manufacturing facility and 13 local Indian partners into the global aerospace supply chain, strengthening the nation’s broader aerospace ecosystem.
