New Delhi, April 13 (IANS). Strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative, American company GE Aerospace on Monday signed a new agreement with the Indian Air Force (IAF). Under this, a repair and maintenance facility (depot) will be set up in India for the F404-IN20 engines, which power HAL’s Tejas fighter jet.
This new facility will be built in India and operated by the Indian Air Force, while GE Aerospace will provide technical support.
The move aims to strengthen India’s indigenous defense maintenance capability and reduce dependence on other countries.
When this facility becomes operational, the time taken for engine repair and maintenance will be significantly reduced, which will improve the availability of Tejas fighter jets.
Under the agreement, this depot will be completely owned and operated by the Indian Air Force. GE Aerospace will provide technical expertise, training, support staff and necessary spare parts and special equipment.
Rita Flaherty, vice president of defense and systems sales and business development at GE Aerospace, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening India’s armed forces.
He said that this new facility will improve the availability of F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas fleet and the Indian Air Force will be able to get modern technology on time.
GE Aerospace also highlighted its extensive presence in India’s defense sector. The company’s engines are also used in the Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft and MH-60R helicopters, as well as the Indian Air Force’s AH-64 Apache helicopters.
Additionally, the company’s LM2500 marine gas turbines have also been used in INS Vikrant and P-17 Shivalik class frigates.
The company has been a part of India’s aviation sector for the last 40 years. Its manufacturing plant in Pune and 13 partners in the country are linked to its global supply chain, further strengthening its presence in India.
–IANS
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