French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation is establishing a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility near Noida to support the Indian Air Force’s fleet of Rafale and Mirage 2000 fighter jets. The facility, named Dassault Aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul India (DAMROI), is expected to begin operations within the next six months, according to reports from ANI.
The facility aims to bolster the operational efficiency of French-origin fighter aircraft in India, including the 36 Rafale jets inducted in recent years and the approximately 50 Mirage 2000 jets that have been in service since the 1980s. Dassault’s new MRO unit aligns with India’s vision of “Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) and will be located in one of the industrial sectors of Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Leadership and Workforce
Dassault Aviation has informed the Indian Defence Ministry that Posina Venkata Rao, an experienced representative of Dassault in India, will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of DAMROI. Rao has been closely associated with Dassault for several decades and will lead a team comprising both French and Indian nationals.
Expanding MRO Activities
In addition to supporting the Rafale and Mirage 2000 jets, Dassault Aviation plans to gradually expand DAMROI’s operations in collaboration with the Indian aeronautical industry. The company aims to broaden its scope to support other fighter aircraft of French origin. The facility may also provide services for the Jaguar deep-penetration fighter jets, which share some French technology.
Future Prospects
It is currently in discussions with the Indian Navy regarding the sale of Rafale Marine jets, with plans to acquire 26 aircraft for deployment on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. The Indian Air Force has already established two bases for its Rafale fighters in Ambala and Hashimara.
This new MRO facility is poised to enhance India’s aviation capabilities by providing comprehensive support for the nation’s growing fleet of advanced fighter jets, while contributing to the country’s push for self-reliance in defence.
