In a move that underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and France, French aerospace and defense conglomerate Thales has announced plans to set up an avionics Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Delhi.[1][2][3][4]
The new MRO hub will specialize in maintaining and repairing advanced avionics systems, catering to a wide range of aircraft.[2] This initiative aligns with Thales' commitment to enhancing aviation infrastructure and support capabilities in India, as the company looks to strengthen its presence in the country's rapidly expanding aerospace sector.[2]
"As a French multinational with a solid legacy built in defense and other sectors in India for the past seven decades, we see this partnership growing further, especially in design, development and manufacturing of advanced technologies in India," said Ashish Saraf, Vice President and Country Director of Thales India.[4]
The decision to locate the avionics MRO facility in Delhi reflects the city's prominence as a key aviation hub in India.[2] The strategic positioning of the hub is expected to streamline maintenance operations, reduce turnaround times, and contribute to the overall efficiency of the country's aviation ecosystem.[2]
Thales' move is also seen as a significant step towards supporting India's modernization and indigenization efforts in the aerospace and defense domains.[4] The company has been a vital contributor to the Rafale fighter jet program, providing cutting-edge equipment and systems, including radar, electronic warfare systems, and cockpit display systems.[1][4]
"We are actively bringing our trusted high-tech capabilities coupled with decades-long experience and working closely with the local industry to support Make-in-India for India and for the world," Saraf said.[4]
The new avionics MRO facility in Delhi is part of Thales' broader strategy to expand its engineering centers and teams in India, with a second state-of-the-art facility recently inaugurated in Bengaluru.[4] These initiatives underscore the company's commitment to leveraging India's abundant engineering talent and fostering research and development in the country.[4]
As India and France continue to deepen their strategic partnership, particularly in the areas of defense, security, and aerospace, the establishment of Thales' avionics MRO hub in Delhi is poised to play a crucial role in supporting the growth and modernization of India's aviation industry.[4]
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