The Indian Air Force has contracted GE Aerospace to establish a staging facility for the F404-IN20 propulsion systems that power the Tejas light combat aircraft.
The depot will support domestic repair and overhaul to maintain the capacity and operability of the engines in support of the service’s Tejas fleet.
According to GE, the center will blend expertise from the company and technical inputs from the military, securing sustainment and access on shorter timelines while cutting reliance on overseas support.
Operations at the site will be managed and owned by the air force, while associated training, staffing, spares, and specialized solutions will be provided by GE.
“Our commitment to supporting India’s armed forces continues to guide our collaboration and partnership in expanding local sustainment capabilities of the Tejas fleet,” said Rita Flaherty, vice president at GE Aerospace.
“Through the upcoming depot facility, we will support the availability of the F404-IN20 engines for the Indian Air Force, ensuring they have ready access to cutting-edge technology to power their defense needs.”
The F404-IN20 Technology
The F404-IN20 is an afterburning turbofan system built with full authority digital engine control to handle engine performance onboard without the need for manual control.
It provides approximately 20,000 horsepower of output when equipped on the Tejas.
In the field, the propulsion technology allows the 4.5-generation jet to fly at Mach 1.8 (2,223 kilometers/1,381 miles per hour), reach altitudes up to 16,000 meters (52,493 feet), and cover a range of 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles).
In November 2025, New Delhi announced a partnership between state-owned Hindustan Aerospace Limited and GE for the acquisition of more than 100 sets of F404-IN20 for the Indian Air Force’s Tejas fleet.
Deliveries of the engines will be conducted from 2027 to 2032.
