This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.

GE Aerospace and Thai Aviation Industries Sign MoU to Localize Defense MRO in Thailand

At the Singapore Airshow on February 4, 2026, GE Aerospace and Thai Aviation Industries Co. Ltd. (TAI) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement marks a significant step toward establishing local Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the engines that power the Royal Thai Armed Forces’ critical air and naval assets.

According to the official announcement, the partnership aims to explore and develop in-country support for GE Aerospace engines. This move is designed to enhance fleet readiness, reduce turnaround times for maintenance, and support Thailand’s broader strategic goal of becoming a regional aviation hub.

The MoU was signed by Rita Flaherty, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, and Air Chief Marshal Piboon Vorravanpreecha, Managing Director of TAI. The collaboration focuses on reducing the reliance on foreign facilities for engine servicing, ensuring that Thailand’s defense infrastructure becomes more self-reliant.

Scope of the Agreement: Air and Naval Power

The collaboration covers a wide range of propulsion systems used across the Royal Thai Air Force, Army, and Navy. Based on fleet data and the agreement details, the partnership targets four specific engine families that are central to Thailand’s defense operations.

Fighter Jet Propulsion

The agreement addresses the maintenance needs of Thailand’s fighter fleet. This includes the F404 engine, which powers the Royal Thai Air Force’s active fleet of Saab Gripen C/D fighters. Additionally, the MoU encompasses the F414 engine, the powerplant for the newly ordered Saab Gripen E/F fighters. As the Royal Thai Air Force modernizes its fleet with these next-generation aircraft, establishing local MRO support for the F414 is a critical component of the transition.

Helicopter Fleets

Rotary-wing assets are also a primary focus. The MoU includes support for the T700 engine family, which powers the Royal Thai Army’s UH-60L/M Black Hawk fleet and the Royal Thai Navy’s Seahawk and Knighthawk helicopters. Furthermore, the agreement covers the CT7 engine, a commercial variant of the T700 used in the Royal Thai Air Force’s Sikorsky S-92 helicopters, which are utilized for Head of State and VVIP transport.

Naval Gas Turbines

Beyond aviation, the partnership extends to maritime defense. The LM2500 gas turbine, a derivative of GE’s aircraft engines, serves as the main propulsion system for the Royal Thai Navy’s most significant vessels. This includes the aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet, the stealth frigate HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, and the Naresuan-class frigates. Ensuring local maintenance for these turbines is vital for maintaining maritime security and operational availability.

Strategic Implications for Thailand

This agreement represents a shift in how Thailand manages its defense supply chain. By partnering with TAI, a government-majority entity established to oversee military aviation maintenance, GE Aerospace is aligning with Thailand’s national policy to localize high-value industrial work.

“The MoU explicitly includes the possibility of opening a dedicated MRO shop in Thailand, which would reduce the need to send engines abroad for servicing.”

Industry reporting on the GE Aerospace/TAI agreement

Currently, major engine maintenance often requires shipping assets to facilities in the United States or Europe, which can lead to extended downtime. Localizing these capabilities allows the Royal Thai Air-Forces to maintain higher readiness levels, particularly for critical assets like the Black Hawk helicopters and naval frigates.

AirPro News Analysis

Supply Chain Resilience: The timing of this agreement highlights a growing trend among Southeast Asian nations to insulate their defense capabilities from global supply-chain disruptions. By securing a local MRO partner, Thailand mitigates the risks associated with international logistics delays.

Economic Growth: The Southeast Asian MRO market is projected to see significant growth through 2026. By capturing this work domestically through TAI, Thailand retains economic value that would otherwise be outsourced. This partnership positions TAI not just as a service provider for the Thai military, but potentially as a future regional hub for GE engine support.

About the Partners

Thai Aviation Industries Co. Ltd. (TAI) was established in 2003 and is Thailand’s premier aircraft repair center. Majority-owned by the Thai government, it serves as the designated depot for military aviation maintenance, tasked with driving the country’s “aviation hub” policy.

GE Aerospace is a global leader in jet and turboprop engines. The company has been aggressively expanding its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region, identifying it as a high-growth market for both commercial and defense sectors. This MoU reinforces GE’s commitment to supporting its international defense customers through localized solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the agreement signed?

The MoU was signed on February 4, 2026, during the Singapore Airshow.

What engines are covered under the MoU?

The agreement covers the F404 and F414 fighter jet engines, T700 and CT7 helicopter engines, and the LM2500 naval gas turbine.

Will this lead to a new factory in Thailand?

The MoU explores the possibility of opening a dedicated MRO shop in Thailand, though specific timelines for facility construction have not yet been finalized.

Sources

• GE Aerospace