Defence Ministry looks to rope in desi companies for upkeep of western aircraft

The defence ministry is looking to rope in Indian industry to set up repair and overhaul facilities for western-origin aircraft, as part of the 'Make in India' initiative that could help increase availability of the platforms and create significant job opportunities in the aerospace sector.

A capability assessment is currently underway to understand current available infrastructure and future plans of Indian companies interested in creating repair and overhaul facilities. Companies are being called in for meetings and once the assessment is complete, steps could be taken to award contracts.

The step comes as maintenance support contracts of some western-origin aircraft are coming to an end, the Rafale fighter jet fleet being one example. The exercise is being undertaken before the contracts are renewed with the original equipment manufacturer. The exercise will also be a test for foreign suppliers that made promises to shift repair and overhaul facilities to India at the time of purchase.

Besides the Rafale, other aircraft that could be brought under the initiative include the C 130J transport aircraft and the Chinook and Apache helicopters. Most aircraft that the defence ministry purchased had initial guarantee and support agreements for five to seven years from delivery. Most Russian-origin aircraft already have complete repair and overhaul facilities in India. It is estimated that the cost of repair and overhaul support for military platforms through their service life can extend to twice or even thrice the initial purchase price.

In February, defence minister Rajnath Singh called for joint efforts to develop India as a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub. He had also proposed that there should also be a minimum of 50% indigenous content when it comes to maintenance and support of new systems being acquired.