GMR Aero Technic, Boeing Sign Deal To Maintain Indian Navy P-8I Aircraft Fleet

GMR Aero Technic has entered into a major defence aviation agreement with Boeing Defence India to carry out heavy maintenance checks on the Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime patrol aircraft fleet, marking a significant step in India’s expanding aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.

Under the agreement, GMR Aero Technic will undertake Phase-56 heavy maintenance checks for the P-8I aircraft. The work will be conducted at its MRO facility in Hyderabad and will include structural inspections, system upgrades, repainting, and other technical servicing in accordance with Boeing and defence aviation standards.

Company officials said this marks GMR Aero Technic’s first major defence aircraft maintenance programme. The partnership is being seen as a milestone for India’s aerospace sector, which is increasingly focusing on building domestic capacity for high-end defence aviation services. According to GMR Aero Technic President Ashok Gopinath, the agreement reflects growing confidence in India’s technical capabilities and supports the broader goal of positioning the country as a global MRO hub.

Also Read: KC Venugopal Reacts As Congress Names VD Satheesan Kerala CM Candidate

Boeing Defence India Managing Director Nikhil Joshi said the collaboration will strengthen India’s aerospace and defence maintenance ecosystem while enhancing long-term operational readiness of military platforms. The partnership is also expected to deepen industrial cooperation between global aerospace manufacturers and Indian service providers.

The Boeing P-8I aircraft, a specialised maritime surveillance and reconnaissance platform, plays a key role in the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare operations. India currently operates a fleet of 12 P-8I aircraft, which are stationed at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu and INS Hansa in Goa, forming a critical component of its maritime security infrastructure.

Officials noted that the agreement aligns with India’s push for greater defence self-reliance and aims to reduce dependence on overseas maintenance facilities. It is also expected to contribute to the government’s broader objective of developing India as a global centre for defence maintenance, repair and overhaul services.

Also Read: Taiwan Calls China Sole Threat To Regional Peace After Xi Warning