By A Correspondent

New Delhi: American aeroengine maker GE Aerospace announced it has signed a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to set up a depot for F404-IN20 aeroengines that power the indigenous ‘Tejas’ Light Combat Aircraft.

The facility, to be owned, operated, and maintained by the IAF, with technical support, training, and spares from GE Aerospace, would significantly reduce dependence on overseas repair centres and improve engine turnaround times, the American company said in a statement on April 13, 2026.

“Our commitment to supporting India’s armed forces continues to guide our collaboration and partnership in expanding local sustainment capabilities of the Tejas fleet,” GE Aerospace vice president of sales and business development for defense and systems Rita Flaherty said.

“Through the upcoming depot facility, we will support the availability of the F404-IN20 engines for the Indian Air Force, ensuring they have ready access to cutting-edge technology to power their defense needs,” Flaherty said.

The facility is expected to help India’s indigenous defence sustainment effort. GE Aerospace would provide technical inputs, training, support staff, and the supply of necessary spares and specialised equipment. “This collaboration marks the next step in the four-decade-long partnership between GE Aerospace and the IAF,” the company said.

The company also reached an agreement recently with India’s state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on technical matters regarding their cooperation on the F404-IN20 aeroengines.

The formal signing of this technical contract will happen later this year. Flaherty told an Indian media house that the technical discussions were the “hardest part,” as they involved a complex and deep transfer of technology for more advanced F414 aeroengines to India.

The GE Aerospace F404 engines power the Tejas combat jets of the IAF, while the F414 engines would be employed in the futuristic fighter aircraft that India would build for its air force.

“GE Aerospace is committed to developing India’s aerospace ecosystem, spanning design, development, manufacturing, and sustainment for both commercial and military aviation,” the company said.

For example, 150 engineers have passed out of the company’s local two-year Edison Engineering Development Programme, which develops engineering leaders.

Several skilling initiatives over ten years have helped train over 5,000 people with core manufacturing skills at the company’s Pune factory.

In September 2025, the GE Aerospace Foundation, in partnership with United Way, launched Next Engineers at Bengaluru, a four-year college and a career-readiness programme that will help 4,000 young engineering aspirants.

Other than the Tejas, GE Aerospace engines also power the Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and MH60R helicopters, as well as the IAF’s AH-64 Apache helicopters, while LM2500 marine gas turbines provide the power for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and the P-17 Shivalik-class frigates.

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