SOURCE: AFI
French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation has set its sights on establishing a state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility and a Centre of Excellence near the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh. The proposal, announced on April 15, 2025, by the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida), marks a significant step in strengthening India’s aerospace ecosystem and deepening India-France defense ties. The initiative, which includes plans for a skill development university in collaboration with India’s Ministries of Skill Development and Defence, aligns with the “Make in India” vision and positions Uttar Pradesh as a burgeoning hub for aviation innovation.
Dassault Aviation, renowned for its Rafale and Mirage 2000 fighter jets operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), has expressed interest in setting up a dual-purpose MRO facility to service both civil and military aircraft. The facility will be located within a 1,365-hectare aviation hub designated under the second phase of the Noida International Airport project, slated to become operational by July 2025. Yeida CEO Arun Vir Singh, who also heads Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), confirmed that discussions with Dassault are underway to finalize land requirements, with talks focusing on creating a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem.
The MRO hub aims to address a critical gap in India’s aviation infrastructure. Currently, most Indian airports lack dedicated MRO hangars, and the country relies heavily on overseas facilities for engine and component maintenance. Dassault’s proposed facility could service the IAF’s 36 Rafale jets and 40 upgraded Mirage 2000s, as well as potential future fleets like Indonesia’s Rafale aircraft, fostering regional maintenance capabilities. “The MRO will cater to both civilian and military needs, enhancing operational efficiency for India’s air assets,” Singh said, noting that the project is in its early stages but progressing rapidly.
Beyond the MRO, Dassault has proposed a Centre of Excellence to train the next generation of aerospace professionals, offering courses in aircraft maintenance, avionics, and vector systems. The initiative includes a three-year diploma with apprenticeships at the MRO facility for Class 10 graduates, a six-month certificate course in aircraft maintenance, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) program for Class 12 graduates. These programs, developed in partnership with India’s Ministries of Skill Development and Defence, aim to create a skilled workforce capable of supporting India’s growing aviation sector.
The skill university, to be established near the MRO hub, will offer hands-on training and foster innovation in aerospace technologies. “Dassault’s vision is to build a self-sustaining ecosystem that combines maintenance expertise with education,” said a Yeida official. This aligns with India’s National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes vocational training and industry-academia collaboration, and could position Uttar Pradesh as a leader in aerospace skill development.
Dassault’s investment, estimated at ?1,000-1,500 crore ($120-180 million), is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Greater Noida, boosting the local economy. The project will also enhance the Noida International Airport’s status as a multi-modal hub, with connectivity to the Yamuna Expressway, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, and the proposed Ganga Expressway. Posts on X have highlighted the initiative’s potential, with users noting that the MRO could reduce India’s maintenance costs for Rafale and Mirage fleets by 20-30%, while the skill center could train over 1,000 professionals annually.
Strategically, the facility strengthens India-France defense cooperation, building on milestones like the 2016 Rafale deal and recent joint exercises like Desert Knight in January 2025. It also supports India’s goal of achieving 70% indigenization in defense manufacturing by 2030, as articulated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. By servicing IAF jets locally, the MRO will reduce downtime and enhance operational readiness, critical amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and in the Indo-Pacific.
While the proposal is promising, challenges remain. Finalizing land allocation and securing regulatory approvals could delay timelines, given the project’s early-stage status. India’s MRO sector also faces competition from established hubs in Singapore and Dubai, requiring Dassault to offer cost-competitive services. Additionally, integrating the skill university with national frameworks like the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) will be key to ensuring global recognition of its certifications.
However, the opportunities are immense. The Noida MRO could attract other global OEMs, creating a cluster effect similar to Bengaluru’s aerospace hub. It also aligns with India’s defense export ambitions, with the facility potentially servicing Rafale fleets of allied nations like Qatar or Egypt. The skill center could further position India as a training hub for the Asia-Pacific, leveraging Dassault’s expertise in advanced aeronautics.
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