LOCALISING ENGINE SUSTAINMENT

The new depot facility, to be set up, owned, and operated by the Indian Air Force, will significantly strengthen India’s domestic sustainment capability for its Tejas fleet. Technical inputs, training, support personnel, and specialised equipment will be provided by GE Aerospace as part of the agreement.

 

Once operational, the facility is expected to reduce reliance on overseas repair centres, improving turnaround times and overall fleet availability.

 

 

SUPPORTING OPERATIONAL READINESS

The F404-IN20 engine powers India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, a key component of the country’s defence aviation capability. By establishing an in-country depot, the IAF aims to enhance operational readiness through faster maintenance cycles and improved logistics efficiency.

 

Rita Flaherty, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Defence & Systems at GE Aerospace, noted that the initiative forms part of a broader effort to expand local sustainment capability.

 

 

LONG-TERM INDUSTRIAL COLLABORATION

The agreement represents a continuation of a partnership spanning more than four decades between GE Aerospace and the Indian Air Force. Beyond engine support, the collaboration reflects a wider strategy to develop India’s aerospace ecosystem across design, manufacturing, and sustainment.

 

GE Aerospace has invested in local skills development, including engineering training programmes and manufacturing initiatives. Its Pune facility has supported workforce development through multiple skilling programmes, while education-focused initiatives such as the Edison Engineering Development Programme and the Next Engineers programme aim to build future technical capability.

 

 

WIDER DEFENCE APPLICATIONS

GE Aerospace engines are also used across multiple Indian defence platforms, including the Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and MH-60R helicopters, as well as the Indian Air Force’s AH-64 Apache helicopters. In addition, LM2500 marine gas turbines power major naval assets, including the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and Shivalik-class frigates.

 

 

INDUSTRY CONTEXT

The establishment of local MRO capability aligns with a broader global trend toward in-country sustainment, particularly in defence aviation, where operational availability and supply chain resilience are critical.

 

For India, the move supports ongoing efforts to strengthen indigenous defence infrastructure while maintaining access to established international technology partnerships.