As Managing Director, Boeing Defence India (BDI), Nikhil Joshi spearheads current and future programs for BDI to enhance the mission readiness and modernisation of India’s defence forces.
Ahead of Aero India 2025, Nikhil Joshi in audience with Editor – Raksha Anirveda, provides insights into Boeing Defence India’s operations, long-term Performance Based Logistics (PBL) solutions for the platforms, various initiative to strengthen India operations and realise accelerated growth strategy for India. Edited excerpts:
RA: What was the primary impetus for the establishment of Boeing Defence India?
NJ: Boeing Defence India (BDI) was established in 2017 as a cornerstone of Boeing’s regional growth strategy, aiming to be a trusted and vital partner to the Indian Armed Forces. This effort is part of Boeing’s broader global strategy, which includes the establishment of similar entities in Australia, the UK, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, to cater to local market needs and provide tailored support to regional customers.
Building on over eight decades of presence in India, Boeing remains deeply committed to supporting the nation’s defence and aerospace aspirations by fostering in-country capabilities through BDI. This aligns with the Government of India’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” programs, leveraging Boeing’s extensive global technical expertise and comprehensive product portfolio.
BDI collaborates closely with Indian public and private enterprises to drive advancements in manufacturing, research, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, ensuring that India benefits from cutting-edge technology and localised solutions. Through these efforts, BDI not only reinforces India’s defence readiness but also contributes to the development of a robust aerospace ecosystem in the country.
Building on over eight decades of presence in India, Boeing remains deeply committed to supporting the nation’s defence and aerospace aspirations by fostering in-country capabilities through BDI
RA: How does Boeing ensure mission readiness for its aircraft and support the Indian Armed Forces in maintaining their fleets?
NJ: Cost-effective solutions, timely support, and flawless execution are central to BDI’s commitment to its customers. As Boeing’s dedicated local entity in India, BDI provides holistic lifecycle solutions, including timely maintenance, repairs, and access to technological advancements. These services ensure high fleet availability and mission readiness, enabling the Indian Armed Forces to effectively safeguard national security.
We are working with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy (IN) to provide operational capability and readiness for the P-8Is, the C-17s, the Head of State aircraft and the Chinooks and Apaches. Boeing’s integrated logistics support is already enabling the highest levels of fleet-readiness. We support the IAF’s C-17 fleet under the Globemaster Integrated Support Program (GISP) that maintains high mission capability rates, by providing them access to an extensive support network for parts availability and economies of scale.
Boeing provides comprehensive C-17 Globemaster III training solutions for aircrews and loadmasters with advanced simulation, courseware and computer-based training. C-17 operators can practice the complete range of tasks required for tactical military airlift operations and humanitarian missions, along with mission rehearsal of all scenarios including emergency procedures. Boeing’s in-country C-17 training centre has completed thousands of training hours for aircrews and loadmasters. Boeing also offers long-term Performance Based Logistics (PBL) solutions for the platforms, namely, P-8I, Apache and Chinook, with a promise to provide similar levels of availability currently provided for the C-17 fleet through our GISP program. Boeing also offers training on platform simulators, just as we do today for the C-17 platform.
PBL strategies have a proven track record of transforming the legacy transactional support between Boeing and its customers, to solutions that increase aircraft availability, resolve Aircraft On-Ground (AOG) situations, and reduce the life-cycle cost of operating defence aircraft. PBLs translate to higher aircraft availability through better utilisation 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 the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by 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.
Cost-effective solutions, timely support, and flawless execution are central to BDI’s commitment to its customers. As Boeing’s dedicated local entity in India, BDI provides holistic lifecycle solutions, including timely maintenance, repairs, and access to technological advancements
Notably, our offerings of the PBL solutions (referred variously as: Aircraft Support Agreement (ASA), Aircraft Maintenance Contract (AMC) or Comprehensive Maintenance Contract (CMC) include our digital offering – Mission Accelerator (MA). MA helps enhance availability of platforms significantly by providing predictability into maintenance. It also helps in operations and training of aircrew.
What truly stands out on the sustainment programs is the overwhelmingly positive feedback we are receiving from our defence customers in India on the significant value our platforms and support ecosystem bring to their missions, which fills us with pride and deep satisfaction.
RA: How does Boeing tailor its MRO services to meet the unique needs and operational demands of its Indian defence customers?
NJ: Boeing tailors its MRO services for Indian defence customers by providing highly flexible, responsive, and localised solutions to meet their specific operational demands. Our approach includes a combination of advanced capabilities, local partnerships, and strategic investments in technology and infrastructure. Key elements include:
- Localised support: The Boeing India Repair Development and Sustainment (BIRDS) program, enabling engineering, maintenance, skilling, repair and sustainment services of defence and commercial aircraft in India. The BIRDS hub is designed as a network of local suppliers, creating a robust MRO ecosystem for defence and commercial aircraft. This initiative establishes industry benchmarks for maintenance, platform availability, customer satisfaction, and rapid turnaround times.
- Customised offerings: Our integrated logistics support and long-term Performance Based Logistics (PBL) solutions for platforms such as P-8I, Apache, and Chinook, promise to provide the same high level of availability currently offered to the Indian Air Force C-17 fleet through our Globemaster Integrated Support Program (GISP). Our PBL solutions – including Next Generation Product Support – increase efficiency, minimise downtime, reduce lifecycle costs, and enhance combat effectiveness.
- Skilling and training: To ensure long-term sustainability, Boeing conducts training programs for Indian technicians and engineers, particularly through its network of suppliers and MRO partners. This helps build a skilled workforce capable of maintaining and servicing the latest technologies.
- Advanced Technologies and Innovations: With a substantial portion of Boeing’s global talent pool situated in India, BIETC is instrumental in delivering customised digital solutions for Indian customers while also generating intellectual property locally. It plays a key role in supporting BDI by addressing critical engineering requirements, driving operations and service engineering, fostering co-development, and advancing indigenous aerospace programs.
By combining these elements, Boeing ensures that its MRO services align with the unique needs of India’s defence sector, enabling the highest levels of mission readiness and operational excellence.
Boeing tailors its MRO services for Indian defence customers by providing highly flexible, responsive, and localised solutions to meet their specific operational demands. Our approach includes a combination of advanced capabilities, local partnerships, and strategic investments in technology and infrastructure
RA: What can we expect from Boeing at Aero India 2025?
NJ: 2025 is expected to be a period of consolidation and execution when BDI buckles down on putting to work the local capabilities that have been developed both internally and through our partners in support of the growing sustainment needs of our defence forces. Accordingly, at Aero India 2025, Boeing Defence India (BDI) will focus on discussing this integrated ecosystem we have developed to support services and sustainment for the Indian armed forces. Our emphasis will be on how BDI works to ensure the long-term operational readiness of military platforms through localised manufacturing, MRO capabilities, and in-country support. By strengthening these capabilities, we aim to contribute to enhancing India’s defence sector and supporting the country’s defence readiness in a sustainable and innovative manner.
