New Delhi: A major achievement towards establishing self-reliance in the field of maintenance of the Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft – Depot Level Inspection of eight P8I aircraft, has been undertaken by Air Works, an indigenous Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) facility based at Hosur, Karnataka. The success of Depot Level Inspection through in-country MRO is a major milestone in testing the readiness of indigenous capabilities to support P-8I fleet thus enhancing the scope of Aatmanirbharta in the field of engineering and maintenance of strategically important aviation platforms.

The activities undertaken included deep level repairs of the aircraft such as degutting of aircraft structural components/ panels, removal/ repairs of auxiliary fuel tanks and inspection of internal fuselage.

The P8I aircraft were acquired from Boeing under Direct Commercial Sales contract concluded by MoD. The aircraft is based on 737-800 commercially common Boeing platform modified to meet military requirements. Approx. 80% of the platform could be supported through in-country MROs/ industries. Considering the same, Indian Navy prevailed upon Boeing to certify in-country MROs to undertake Depot Level Inspection which is required to be undertaken every eight year from the date of production. Post due diligence Boeing certified Air Works for undertaking Depot Level Inspection of P-8I fleet.

The successful completion of Depot Level Inspection by Air Works proves that indigenous MROs have come of age and are more than ready to become force multipliers for Indian Defence Forces, offering globally competitive services.

Depot Level Inspection of P-8I, by an indigenous firm is yet another effort by the Indian Navy to achieve greater self-reliance in consonance with Government of India vision of Aatmanirbharta in the sphere of defence manufacturing and maintenance.