Mumbai: Reliance Defence, a subsidiary of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure, has announced a strategic partnership with US-based defence contractor Coastal Mechanics.
The alliance aims to capitalise on India’s Rs 20,000 crore market for defence maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and upgrade services.
Comprehensive Support for Indian Defence Forces
The collaboration will deliver end-to-end MRO and lifecycle support for a wide array of defence platforms, including Jaguar and MiG-29 fighter jets, Apache attack helicopters, L-70 air defence guns, and other legacy systems in service with the Indian armed forces. The companies plan to upgrade and sustain more than 100 Jaguar jets, over 100 MiG-29s, and the Indian Army’s fleet of Apache helicopters.
Focus on Upgrades Over Replacements
This initiative supports India’s shift from replacing ageing military equipment to extending the life of existing platforms through modernisation and performance-based logistics solutions. The partnership highlights the growing emphasis on indigenous capability development in defence services.
Joint Venture Facility at MIHAN, Nagpur
Reliance Defence and Coastal Mechanics will also establish a joint venture at the MIHAN SEZ in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The facility will cater to both domestic and global defence markets, offering MRO and upgrade services for a wide range of air- and land-based systems.
The move is part of Reliance Defence’s broader aim to emerge among India’s top three defence exporters.
