IAF Considers Outsourcing F404 Engine Maintenance to Private Sector as New 97 Tejas Mk1A Order May Overwhelm It's MRO Facilities

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is considering a significant shift in its maintenance strategy for the F404 engines that power its Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. With a major expansion of the Tejas fleet on the horizon, the IAF is exploring the possibility of outsourcing engine maintenance to private sector companies.

This move comes as the IAF prepares to place orders for over 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets by the end of the year, adding to the existing fleet.

Currently, the F404-IN20 engines, sourced directly from GE Aerospace, are maintained exclusively by the IAF. However, the anticipated surge in the Tejas fleet, projected to reach nearly 200 Mk1A and Mk1 jets in the next 7-8 years, presents a significant maintenance challenge.

Maintaining over 250 F404-IN20 engines to ensure high operational readiness may overwhelm the IAF's existing squadron-level MRO facilities.

To address this, the IAF is contemplating a new approach where private sector companies would establish dedicated MRO facilities for the F404 engines. This would involve the IAF procuring spares and consumables directly from GE Aerospace, while Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas Mk1A, would not be directly involved in engine maintenance.

This potential shift offers several advantages. Private sector participation could boost capacity and introduce specialized expertise, potentially leading to cost savings and improved efficiency in engine maintenance. Furthermore, it could stimulate growth within India's private aviation sector.

The IAF's decision to consider private sector involvement in F404 engine MRO is still under evaluation. A thorough assessment of the potential benefits and challenges is crucial before a final decision is reached.

However, if implemented, this move could have a profound impact on the Indian defence industry and the future of the Tejas fighter jet program. It aligns with the broader trend of increasing private sector participation in defence manufacturing and maintenance, aiming to enhance self-reliance and efficiency.

 

[R. Singh]

We should also make GE-404 engines along with GE-414 engines !

 

[sanket]

IAF is Reponsible for Importing GE-404 Engines directly From US & Even sourcing Components & spareparts too, its IAF decision Not to Locally Assemble GE-404 Engine, i previously already commented But some comedian blame HAL .

 

[NSR]

As I have writing for a long time, India must get a license to manufacture GE F-404IN20 just like GE F-414INS6 deal of 80% TOT and get going.
The success of Kaveri derivatives is in question as the history littered with many failures.

If India wants to build 200+ Tejas IAs for IAF and export them too, then it is the most sensible thing to do.
Also India needs to keep building F-404 perpetually until Tejas IAs retired or junked.

Get going with the license deal to manufacture as it will also solve MRO issues too.

 

[GMR]

Good initiative, which should have taken earlier.. empower pvt sector and concentrate on own core job & competency

 

[Rajesh]

Getting GE 404 now is such a hurdle and imagine 3 engines per jet in its lifetime what will be the hurdle at that time.

 

[VF VF1]

Private players are necessary in Engine tech to develop spares ... either assembly in India or MRO ...all shld g oto private players of Metallurgy

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

Choose F18SH for Navy RFP and F21 for MRFA deal as these will be lowest costs jets available to India now....

F21 might be costing 75 millions usd barebones jet means lifetime ops costs of around 188 millions usd; lifetime ops costs that is lesser than half of Rafale-M...

 

[Dredd]

IAF is Reponsible for Importing GE-404 Engines directly From US & Even sourcing Components & spareparts too, its IAF decision Not to Locally Assemble GE-404 Engine, i previously already commented But some comedian blame HAL .

why should IAF pay 30% markup to HAL for GE404 engine when they can get it cheaply directly, Same reason why IAF don't want to engage HAL in engine overhaul and maintenance

 

[Sandeep]

India should definitely diversify its MRO bases and not just rely on one. We should bave it under the private ownership and air force.