IAF and GE Aerospace Sign Agreement to Set Up F404 Engine Depot Facility in India
On April 13, 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) signed a strategic agreement with GE Aerospace, an American aircraft engine supplier, to establish an in-country depot facility for F404-IN20 engines used in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), aimed at enhancing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for advanced aircraft engines.
Key Details :
Key Role: The IAF will own, operate, and maintain the facility, while GE Aerospace will provide the technical inputs, specialized equipment, spare parts and training for IAF personnel.
Supply chain: GE Aerospace plans to deliver 20 engines to India by December 2026 to stabilise the supply chain and address delays.
Engine: The F404-IN20 is an afterburning turbofan engine (19,000 lb thrust class) for Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A, with a 3-stage fan, 7-stage high-pressure compressor and digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) system.

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) finalized  USD 1 billion (Rs. 8,870 crore) deal with GE Aerospace to procure 113 F404-GE-IN20 jet engines.