By Mukesh 
GMR Aero Technic (GAT), one of India’s leading aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) providers located at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), has signed an agreement with Boeing Defence India Private Limited (BDIPL) to undertake Phase-56 Heavy Maintenance Checks for the Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft fleet operated by the Indian Navy.
The Boeing P‑8I is a long‑range maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, designed for anti‑submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It is a key asset for the Indian Navy, providing advanced capabilities to secure India’s maritime domain and ensure mission readiness.
The Indian Navy currently operates a fleet of 12 P‑8I aircraft, deployed across squadrons at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu and INS Hansa in Goa.
Under the agreement, GMR Aero Technic will carry out Phase-56 heavy maintenance checks for the Boeing P-8I aircraft at its MRO facility located within the GMR Aerospace Park Special Economic Zone in Hyderabad. The maintenance work will include structural upgrades, detailed inspections, painting, and system upgrades in accordance with Boeing and defence aviation maintenance standards.
“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. This agreement reinforces our long‑term vision of building India into a global defence MRO hub and establishing GMR Aero Technic as a trusted provider of complex military aircraft sustainment solutions,” said Ashok Gopinath, president, GMR Aero Technic.
“This partnership builds on our long‑standing focus on developing indigenous aerospace and defence capability, and reinforces our investment in services, sustainment, manufacturing, Research and Development (R&D), and talent in India,” said Nikhil Joshi, managing director of Boeing Defence India.