Reliance Defence Limited (a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure Ltd) has signed a strategic agreement with US-based defence contractor Coastal Mechanics Inc (CMI) to enter India’s growing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and upgrade defence sector, worth over ₹20,000 crore.
Key Objectives of Partnership
- Lifecycle support for legacy military platforms used by the Indian Armed Forces.
- Focus on MRO, modernisation, and upgrade of:
- Jaguar fighter aircraft
- MiG-29 fighter aircraft
- Apache attack helicopters
- L-70 air defence guns
- Other legacy systems
Strategic Importance
- Aligns with India’s defence strategy to shift from “asset replacement” to “lifecycle extension” and performance-based logistics.
- Targets high-value, long-term opportunities in sustainment and upgrade, crucial for operational readiness.
- Reduces dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
About Joint Venture
- Location: To be set up at MIHAN (Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport), Nagpur, Maharashtra.
- Purpose:
- Cater to domestic and export markets.
- Offer end-to-end MRO and upgrade services for a wide range of air and land-based defence platforms.
About Coastal Mechanics Inc (CMI)
- A US Department of Defense-authorised contractor.
- Over 40 years of experience in supplying mission-critical components to:
- US Air Force
- US Army
- Brings advanced capabilities and global standards in MRO to the partnership
Significance for India
- Promotes indigenous defence manufacturing in line with:
- ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’
- ‘Make in India’
- Strengthens India’s defence industrial base and reduces reliance on imports.
- Encourages technology transfer and capacity building in critical defence services.