The IAF’s Rafale fighters are made by Dassault Aviation. (File photo)
New Delhi: Dassault Aviation, the French aircraft manufacturer and makers of the Rafale fighter planes, has announced the establishment of a new subsidiary focused exclusively on military maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. The move, announced on Wednesday, is a step towards the company’s endeavour to expand its presence in the Indian market.
The newly formed entity, Dassault Aviation MRO India (DAMROI), will be headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, DAMROI aims to cater specifically to the needs of the Indian Air Force and offer customized services for the maintenance of its Rafale and Mirage 2000 fleets.
In its announcement, Dassault said its strategic decision aims to promote indigenous value-added services and bolster India’s self-reliance and self-sufficiency in defence capabilities.
As an India-based subsidiary of Dassault, DAMROI will leverage Dassault’s technological expertise while fostering new avenues for cooperation within India’s rapidly expanding aerospace sector.
Dassault also said the establishment of DAMROI represents a significant step towards realizing the “Make in India” initiative and positions the country as one of the major players in the global aerospace supply chain. It also said the subsidiary’s plans for comprehensive training and education programmes under the government’s “Skill India” scheme reflects Dassault’s dedication to nurturing local talent.
Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, said the new venture exemplifies Dassault’s unwavering commitment to India’s strategic vision for its aerospace and defence future. He added that the company is confident that DAMROI will play a key role in enhancing India’s military aviation capabilities while fostering a robust aero defence ecosystem in the country.
