India aims to become a global military maintenance and repair hub
The country seeks to reduce overseas reliance and capture a share of the growing USD 180 billion MRO market.
India is working to expand its domestic maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities to ensure military equipment readiness and decrease dependence on foreign facilities, according to a Times of India report. The goal is to eventually service international platforms and tap into a market projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2034.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) remains a central player, with its Koraput division having overhauled over 9,000 engines, a Defence Ministry announcement in October 2026 stated. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has also identified approximately 4,000 spare parts lines for indigenisation as of 2021.
Recent contracts include a Rs 413-crore agreement signed in March 2026 between the Ministry of Defence and Boeing India Defence for maintenance of the Navy's P-8I fleet. Additionally, GE Aerospace signed a deal with the IAF on April 13, 2026, to assist in establishing a depot for Tejas F404-IN20 engines.
On May 6, 2026, MBDA reached an agreement with the IAF to develop mid-life overhaul capabilities for MICA missiles. Meanwhile, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited held a groundbreaking ceremony for a facility to overhaul the army's T-90 and T-72 main battle tanks.
Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin announced the groundbreaking of a C-130J Super Hercules facility on December 8, 2025. This site is intended for heavy maintenance for the IAF and global C-130 operators, with construction expected to conclude by late 2026 and the first aircraft arriving in early 2027.