Major Win for Make in India: Tejas Engine Repair Facility Deal Signed
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The ‘Make in India’ campaign received a powerful endorsement today with GE Aerospace and the Indian Air Force formalizing a cooperation agreement for a domestic F404-IN20 engine repair and overhaul center. These engines are the beating heart of the Tejas Mk1 fighter jets produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
Entirely Indian-owned and IAF-operated, the new depot will leverage GE’s technical know-how, comprehensive training modules, dedicated support teams, essential spares, and precision equipment. The core goal? Fortify national defense sustainment infrastructure and erode dependencies on international repair chains.
Operationalizing this facility promises to revolutionize maintenance efficiency, shortening repair cycles and maximizing Tejas aircraft uptime for vital defense roles.
Rita Fleherty, GE Aerospace’s senior VP in defense sales and development, called it a testament to their resolve in bolstering Indian defenses. ‘Enhanced engine reliability for Tejas will empower the IAF with prompt technological upgrades,’ she noted.
GE’s legacy in India spans naval P-8I aircraft, MH-60R choppers, IAF Apaches, and marine turbines in INS Vikrant and Shivalik frigates. Backed by a Pune manufacturing base and 13 supply chain collaborators, the company’s 40-year journey now includes this indigenous maintenance leap forward.
