GE Aerospace: India’s Trusted Partner in Aerospace and Defence

GE’s marine LM2500

GE Aerospace has been a steadfast supporter of India’s efforts to achieve defence self-sufficiency for the past three decades. To assist India’s development, GE has maintained a sustained presence in India by constructing world-class manufacturing and engineering facilities. We take great pride in having supplied the Tejas, an indigenous Light Combat Aircraft from India, with its engines. Along with providing the programme with engines, GE Aerospace partnered with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to assist Tejas development, enhancing India’s capacity to create cutting-edge combat aircraft. Additionally, GE and the Indian Air Force are working together to construct Tejas programme engine repair facilities in India. GE and HAL operate together to assemble and deliver GE LM2500 gas turbines, which are used to power the frigates and indigenous aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy. Over 1000 engineers work in one of GE Aerospace’s major engineering facilities in Bangalore, which is dedicated to the development of new technology for aero-engine design and lifecycle support. GE Aerospace has built in India all the ingredients required to grow a full scale aero-engine industry, from design through production to lifetime support. GE Aerospace proactively pursues a comprehensive plan geared to expand our current operations in India into a full aero-engine industry and strongly supports India’s Make in India initiative. This plan is created to assist the Indian armed forces throughout the lifecycle of an aero-engine. The engineering, manufacturing, aftermarket services, and advanced manufacturing technologies are some of the components of this sector. Over the next ten years, GE wants to be a dedicated partner in making Make in India a reality. With capabilities built upon a strong, truly sustainable commercial engine component manufacturing basis, GE’s own manufacturing facilities in Pune and our expanding Indian supplier chain focused on Tata (Tata Advanced Systems) are well positioned to enter the military engine manufacturing market. This capability is now based in India and contributes millions Navy. GE and HAL are partnering to produce forgings used as raw material for engine components, a first for India. GE has also partnered with the Indian Air Force to establish Tejas engine maintenance capabilities in India including a depot within the Indian Air Force. GE offers best in class life cycle cost as similar engines power multiple platforms. At GE skill development is given vital importance, sponsoring advance training for manufacturing machinists and employing them in the GE Indian supplier network. GE partners with Indian Universities and Institutions in developing aero-engine related technologies such as our Indian Institute of Technology Madras partnership for combustion modelling and our Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee partnership for cold spray technology. GE Aerospace: India’s Trusted Partner in Aerospace and Defence Article by Youngje Kim, Vice President – APAC Region, Military Systems Operation – GE Aerospace of dollars’ worth of aero-engine components annually to GE’s global supply chain. Given the fact that only GE now possesses this competence in India, GE can expand there to achieve the government’s Make in India ambitions.

GE Aerospace’s comprehensive ‘Make in India’ strategy will help India achieve its aspirations for Aatmanirbar Bharat. GE’s strategy is neither an idea nor a promise. It is a far more advanced reality that is happening today. GE turns ‘Make in India’ into ‘Made in India’. Some key highlights of GE’s commitment towards Aatmanirbar Bharat include GE’s rapidly expanding supply chain in India. Our supply chain in India is based on a partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited. Each year, Tata supplies millions of dollars’ worth of innovative components for GE’s industryleading LEAP engines. Tata’s capabilities and capabilities continue to expand as it has demonstrated a clear ability to compete and win in the global marketplace. GE is developing a robust network of medium and small business suppliers (MSMEs) in India as well. This growing network provides a lengthening list of essential components and services to ensure a fully indigenous manufacturing infrastructure. HAL is licensed to assemble, inspect, test and depot overhaul GE LM2500 engines in India. HAL supplies LM2500 marine engines to shipyards and the Indian Navy. GE and HAL are partnering to produce forgings used as raw material for engine components, a first for India. GE has also partnered with the Indian Air Force to establish Tejas engine maintenance capabilities in India including a depot within the Indian Air Force. GE offers best in class life cycle cost as similar engines power multiple platforms. At GE skill development is given vital importance, sponsoring advance training for manufacturing machinists and employing them in the GE Indian supplier network. GE partners with Indian Universities and Institutions in developing aero-engine related technologies such as our Indian Institute of Technology Madras partnership for combustion modelling and our Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee partnership for cold spray technology.

Article by Youngje Kim, Vice President – APAC Region, Military Systems Operation – GE Aerospace