IAF Partners GE Aerospace to Set Up F404 Engine Maintenance Hub

US defence major General Electric Aerospace has formalised a contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to help establish a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for F404-IN20 jet engines powering the Tejas light combat aircraft, marking a key step in strengthening India’s indigenous defence ecosystem.

The facility will be set up by the IAF with technical support from GE Aerospace and is expected to significantly reduce dependence on overseas repair centres while improving turnaround time for engine servicing. The depot will be owned and operated by the IAF, with GE providing technical expertise, training, support staff, and specialised equipment .

GE Aerospace’s association with India’s Tejas programme dates back to the early 2000s, when its F404 engine was selected for the indigenous fighter jet. Over time, the partnership has evolved from engine supply to deeper collaboration in sustainment and capability-building, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance in defence .

The development comes amid concerns over delays in the supply of F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), which manufactures the Tejas aircraft. The IAF is accelerating induction of these jets to address a shortfall in its fighter squadrons, currently at 29 against a sanctioned strength of 42.

India has placed major orders for the Tejas Mk-1A variant, including a Rs 48,000-crore deal for 83 aircraft in 2021 and a subsequent Rs 62,370-crore contract for 97 more jets signed in 2025. The aircraft is designed for air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles .

Beyond defence contracts, GE Aerospace has been expanding its presence in India through engineering and skilling initiatives. The company said around 150 engineers have graduated from its Edison Engineering Development Programme, while over 5,000 individuals have been trained in manufacturing skills at its Pune facility over the past decade.

In 2025, the GE Aerospace Foundation, in partnership with United Way, launched the ‘Next Engineers’ programme in Bengaluru to support 4,000 students through a structured college and career readiness initiative.

GE Aerospace engines also power several Indian platforms, including the Navy’s P-8I aircraft and MH-60R helicopters, as well as the IAF’s Apache helicopters, underlining its broad role in India’s defence aviation landscape .