Engineers and technicians work on a jet engine in an Indian Air Force hangar with Tejas fighter jets.
GE Aerospace has signed an agreement with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to establish a repair facility in India for the F404-IN20 engines that power the Tejas fighter jets. This initiative aims to reduce India’s reliance on foreign repair centers, improving turnaround times for engine maintenance and enhancing the operational readiness of India’s indigenous fighter jets.
The facility will be operated and maintained by the IAF, with GE Aerospace providing technical expertise, training, support staff, and the supply of necessary spare parts and specialized equipment. This partnership builds on a four-decade-long collaboration between GE Aerospace and the IAF, strengthening their ties in aerospace technology and defense.
Delays in the delivery of F404-IN20 engines have been noted, with only six of the 99 engines ordered by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in 2021 delivered to date. In February 2021, the Defence Ministry signed a ₹48,000 crore deal with HAL for the procurement of 83 Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets, with deliveries expected to be completed within eight years.
The establishment of this repair facility marks a significant step towards self-reliance in defense infrastructure, potentially attracting further investment in India’s aerospace sector and reducing dependency on foreign entities for critical maintenance and repairs. This move is expected to enhance the availability and operational efficiency of the Tejas fighter fleet, supporting the IAF’s capabilities.
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