New Delhi, 13 April (H.S.):
GE Aerospace has inked a pact with the Indian Air Force on Monday, to establish an indigenous repair center for engines powering the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fleet, slashing foreign dependency and accelerating combat readiness.
Ownership vests with the Air Force, which will construct and operate the facility—bolstered by GE's technical expertise, trained personnel, spares, and specialized gear. This depot targets F404-IN20 engines for Tejas Mk-1A, mitigating delivery delays plaguing the 99-unit order and enabling swift overhauls domestically.
Hitherto reliant on overseas maintenance, the IAF faced protracted timelines impeding squadron buildup; local MRO will compress turnaround, fortify supply chains, and ensure year-round engine availability—critical for wartime preparedness amid expanding Tejas Mk-1A procurements.
Rita Flaherty, GE Aerospace's VP for Defense Sales, hailed the tie-up as pivotal for Tejas fleet resilience, skill infusion, supply integration, and tech transfer—aligning with India's self-reliance ethos. Spanning four decades, this extends GE's support to P-8I aircraft, MH-60R helicopters, Apaches, and marine turbines.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
