Boeing’s long-standing partnership with India has been built on a foundation of trust, innovation, and commitment. With India being one of the fastest growing economies in the world, the aerospace and defence industry is poised for significant growth and productivity. As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing recognizes the immense potential of India’s aerospace and defence sector and is committed to supporting its growth through a range of solutions, including aircraft, infrastructure expansion, and services.
Over the past five years, Boeing has focused on key areas to accelerate its growth in India. This includes customer engagement, localization of services, and building an indigenous and robust supplier-partner network with a focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Today, India operates several Boeing platforms, including C-17s, AH-64 Apaches, CH-47 Chinooks, P-8Is, and VVIP aircraft. Boeing’s investments in India led to the establishment of Boeing Defence India (BDI), which focuses on building local capabilities, workforce training, and partnerships to ensure the Indian armed forces are always mission-ready.
Operational for about a year, the recently inaugurated P-8I simulator facility at INS Rajali reduces the use of actual aircraft for training. The simulator was built by Boeing for the Indian Navy as part of a training and support package contract signed in 2018. India is one of only four countries in the world and the first in Asia to have such a facility. The 60,000-square-foot (5,574-square-meter), state-of-the-art facility reduces the need to undertake training aboard actual aircraft, resulting in significantly improved availability for operational missions.
Boeing’s commitment to India goes beyond providing aircraft and services. It is also focused on supporting the modernization and mission-readiness of India’s defence forces. Boeing’s integrated logistics support is already enabling the highest level of fleet readiness, supporting the IAF’s C-17 fleet under the Globemaster Integrated Support Program (GISP). There is a comprehensive offering of the C-17 Globemaster III training solutions for aircrews and loadmasters, with advanced simulation, courseware and computer-based training.
There are long-term Performance Based Logistics (PBL) solutions being offered for platforms, namely, P-8I, Apache and Chinook, with a promise to provide the same level of availability currently provided for the C-17 fleet through the GISP program. Training is being offered on platform simulators, just as it is for the C-17 platform today.
PBL strategies have a proven track record of transforming the legacy transactional support between Boeing and its customers, to solutions that increase aircraft availability, resolving Aircraft On-Ground (AOG) situations, and reducing the life-cycle cost of operating defence aircraft.
A PBL contract guarantees engineering, technical and material support for our customers at any hour and any operating location. Essentially, it ensures the relevant parts, available at the required location and at the right time. PBLs translate to higher aircraft availability through better utilization of inventory and the requirement for fewer spare parts. Specifically, for India, a PBL strategy will help resolve operational issues and enable further growth of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in strengthening India’s national defence industry. Boeing has globally executed over 12 Apache, and over 6 Chinook PBLs, bringing over 30 years of experience to enable long-term success of Vertical Lift readiness in India.
Notably, our offerings of the PBL solutions (also referred to as Aircraft Support Agreements) include our digital offering, which goes by the name of Mission Accelerator (MA). MA, which falls under Boeing’s Next Generation Product Support umbrella, helps enhance availability of platforms significantly by providing predictability into maintenance. With a focus on outcomes, MA also helps in operations and training of aircrew.
By leveraging its expertise and experience in PBL strategies, Boeing is enabling the growth of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in strengthening India’s national defence industry. The company’s investment in skilling, research & development, and manufacturing is driving innovation and productivity improvements, which are essential for the long-term success of India’s defence sector. Boeing’s commitment to building supplier relationships and fostering an environment of transparency and collaboration is enabling the highest quality products and services with the value that customers require.
Boeing’s vision for India is to bring the best of its capabilities to India and export the best of India to the world. As a trusted partner of India for over 80 years, Boeing is committed to supporting India’s growth and progress in the aerospace and defence sector for many years to come. The company’s focus on innovation, collaboration, and commitment to customer satisfaction will continue to drive its success in India and around the world.
-The writer is a Managing Director, Boeing Defence India
