India is expanding its domestic maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the Indian Navy’s Boeing P-8I fleet, with local providers taking on increasingly complex airframe and component maintenance work.
GMR Aero Technic has signed an agreement with Boeing Defence India to undertake Phase 56 heavy maintenance checks on P-8I aircraft at its facility in Hyderabad. The work is expected to include structural upgrades, detailed inspections, painting and systems upgrades.
The agreement adds another maintenance provider to India’s P-8I support network, which has developed through partnerships between Boeing and domestic MRO companies.
Component overhaul and repair localisation
Air Works has been carrying out heavy maintenance on the P-8I fleet at its Hosur facility. The company has completed Phase 32 checks on six aircraft, demonstrating its ability to handle multiple aircraft undergoing maintenance simultaneously.
The Indian Navy has also worked with Boeing to establish local capabilities for more extensive inspections. Air Works has been certified to undertake depot-level inspection work on the P-8I, including structural inspections and repairs. The maintenance programme is designed to support the aircraft throughout its service life.
Component maintenance is another area of development. Boeing and AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) have partnered to provide in-country overhaul services for critical components on the Navy’s fleet of 12 P-8I aircraft.
The partnership marked the completion of the first P-8I landing gear overhaul in India, carried out at INS Rajali. Local overhaul capabilities can help reduce the need to send components overseas and support shorter repair turnaround times.
Boeing’s India Repair Development and Sustainment (BIRDS) initiative supports the development of a domestic network of maintenance providers, suppliers and engineering capabilities. The initiative is intended to expand local repair services and strengthen the supply chain supporting military and commercial aircraft.
Supporting long-term fleet readiness
The Indian Navy’s P-8I sustainment network combines heavy maintenance, component overhaul, spare-parts support, ground equipment and technical assistance. Boeing has also provided logistics support and field-service representatives to help maintain fleet availability.
As the fleet continues in service, the ability to perform more maintenance tasks domestically will remain an important part of its long-term support strategy. Expanding local repair capacity and technical expertise could also create opportunities for Indian MRO providers to develop capabilities applicable to other military and commercial aircraft.
