Defense News 

India

American aerospace giant GE Aerospace has announced a substantial investment of USD 30 million (₹240 Crores) to expand and modernize its manufacturing facility in Pune. The move aims to bolster the plant's capabilities and accommodate new projects and manufacturing processes. This investment will primarily involve acquiring new machinery, equipment, and specialized tools, alongside enhancing the existing production capacity.

The Pune unit, which commenced operations in February 2015 and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, specializes in producing components for commercial jet engines. These components play a crucial role in the assembly of various GE engines, including G90, GEnx, GE 9X, and LEAP engines by CFM, a joint venture between GE and Safran.

Mike Kauffman, Vice President of Global Supply Chain at GE Aerospace, expressed confidence in the Pune plant's ability to contribute significantly to the company's global supply chain. Amol Nagar, Managing Director of GE Aerospace's Pune facility, emphasized that the investment aligns with the company's strategy to meet the growing demand from customers in the aerospace sector.

GE Aerospace has been operating in India for over four decades and has established a strong presence. Currently, around 700 GE and partner engines are in service in the country. Notably, GE Aerospace's defense engines and systems power key assets of the Indian Air Force and Navy, including the Tejas Mk 1 light combat aircraft, helicopters, aircraft carrier battleships, and frigates.

The Pune facility, along with its 13 local partners, plays a vital role in GE's global supply chain network. Additionally, GE operates the John F Welch Technology Center in Bengaluru, which has been operational for more than 24 years, further emphasizing its commitment to India's aerospace sector.

This investment underscores GE Aerospace's dedication to enhancing its manufacturing capabilities in India to better serve its customers and support the country's aerospace industry's growth.