Hyderabad: GMR Aero Technic (GAT), a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services provider, has signed an agreement with Boeing Defence India Private Limited (BDIPL) to conduct Phase 56 heavy maintenance checks for the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft fleet, the GMR group announced on Thursday.
Under the terms of the agreement, GAT will perform the maintenance checks at its MRO facility located within the GMR Aerospace Park SEZ in Hyderabad. The scope of work includes structural upgrades, comprehensive inspections, painting, and system upgrades, all adhering to Boeing and defence aviation maintenance standards, according to GMR.
The Indian Navy operates a fleet of 12 Boeing P-8I aircraft, which are deployed at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu and INS Hansa in Goa. The P-8I is a long-range maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Ashok Gopinath, president of GAT, said: "As our first major engagement supporting a frontline defence aircraft platform, it reflects strong confidence in the depth of our technical capabilities and the expertise of our highly qualified and skilled workforce."
Nikhil Joshi, managing director of BDIPL, noted that the collaboration represents another step in Boeing's efforts to develop indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities in India.
