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

GE Aerospace and Indian Air Forces Partner on In-Country Engine Depot for Tejas Fleet

GE Aerospace announced a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) on April 13, 2026, to establish an in-country depot facility for the F404-IN20 engines. These engines are the primary power plant for the IAF’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fleet.

According to the official press release, the new facility will be owned, operated, and maintained entirely by the Indian Air Force. GE Aerospace will support the initiative by providing technical inputs, specialized repair equipment, spare parts, training, and expert support staff.

This development is designed to eliminate India’s reliance on overseas repair centers. By localizing deep maintenance and overhaul work, the IAF expects to significantly improve turnaround times for engine servicing, thereby boosting the operational readiness and availability of the Tejas fighter fleet.

Enhancing Local Sustainment for the Tejas Fleet

The establishment of the new depot marks a significant milestone in the four-decade partnership between GE Aerospace and the Indian military. The initiative strongly aligns with the Indian government’s “Make in India” campaign, focusing on building robust local aerospace infrastructure and indigenous defense sustainment.

“Our commitment to supporting India’s armed forces continues to guide our collaboration and partnership in expanding local sustainment capabilities of the Tejas fleet,” stated Rita Flaherty, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, in the company’s release.

Addressing Supply Chain Challenges

While the press release highlights the strategic benefits of the new depot, broader industry data indicates that this move arrives at a critical juncture for the LCA Tejas program. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the IAF have recently navigated significant supply-chain challenges regarding engine deliveries.

In August 2021, HAL signed a $716 million contract with GE Aerospace for 99 F404-IN20 engines to power the Tejas Mk1A fleet. However, industry reports note that as of April 2026, only six of the 99 contracted engines have been delivered. Due to these delays, HAL has reportedly invoked contractual penalty clauses amounting to 10% of the contract value, or approximately $71.6 million. To address the backlog, HAL Chairman and Managing Director D.K. Sunil recently stated that GE plans to accelerate deliveries, aiming to supply up to 20 engines by the end of the 2026 calendar year.

Deepening US-India Defense Ties

The collaboration on the F404 depot is part of a wider expansion of defense technology sharing between the United States and India. Beyond the F404, GE Aerospace and HAL have recently concluded technical discussions regarding the co-production of the more advanced F414 engines in India. This follows a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June 2023, paving the way for the F414 engines to power the next-generation LCA Tejas Mk2.

GE Aerospace’s Expanding Footprint in India

According to the GE Aerospace press release, the company’s engines power a diverse array of Indian military assets. This includes the Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and MH60R helicopters, as well as the IAF’s AH-64 Apache helicopters. Furthermore, GE’s LM2500 marine gas turbines provide propulsion for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and the P-17 Shivalik Class frigates.

The company also emphasized its ongoing investments in India’s aerospace ecosystem and workforce. Over the past decade, GE has trained more than 5,000 individuals in core manufacturing skills at its Pune factory. Additionally, 150 engineers have graduated from the company’s local two-year Edison Engineering Development Program. In September 2025, the GE Aerospace Foundation launched the “Next Engineers” program in Bengaluru, a four-year initiative designed to prepare 4,000 young students for engineering careers.

AirPro News analysis

We view the establishment of this in-country depot as a vital strategic mitigation effort by the Indian Air Force. Given the ongoing delays in new engine deliveries for the Tejas Mk1A program, ensuring that the existing F404-IN20 engines can be repaired domestically and rapidly is essential for maintaining fleet readiness. This localized maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capability not only fulfills domestic manufacturing goals but also serves as a necessary buffer against global supply chain vulnerabilities, allowing the IAF to maximize the utility of its current engine inventory while awaiting new deliveries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the new GE Aerospace depot in India?
The depot will provide in-country maintenance, repair, and overhaul for the F404-IN20 engines that power the IAF’s Tejas fleet, drastically reducing turnaround times by eliminating the need to send engines overseas for repair.

Who will own and operate the facility?
The facility will be entirely owned, operated, and maintained by the Indian Air Force. GE Aerospace will provide technical inputs, specialized equipment, spare parts, and training.

How many F404 engines did HAL order in 2021?
HAL signed a $716 million contract for 99 F404-IN20 engines in August 2021.

Sources

• GE Aerospace