IAF-GE Aerospace Deal for F404-IN20 Engine Depot
Why in the news
India took a step towards domestic maintenance of Tejas engines with a depot agreement between the Air Force and GE Aerospace on 13 April 2026.
Key facts
- Parties: Indian Air Force and GE Aerospace.
- Purpose: a depot inside India for the F404-IN20 engines used on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
- Roles: IAF owns, operates and maintains; GE supplies technical inputs and training.
- Deliveries: 20 engines due by December 2026.
About the F404-IN20
The F404-IN20 is an afterburning turbofan in the 19,000 lb thrust class with a digital FADEC (full authority digital engine control). It powers the indigenous LCA Tejas.
Exam angle
- Link the words: F404-IN20 = LCA Tejas engine, supplier GE Aerospace.
- Remember the number: 20 engines by December 2026.
- Defence-indigenisation and maintenance-support themes are common in static and current-affairs sections.
- Know that the IAF, not GE, will operate the depot.