SOURCE: AFI

India is ramping up efforts to position itself as a key player in the global defense maintenance sector by highlighting its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, especially for the Rafale fighter jets, to Indonesia. This initiative comes in the context of Indonesia’s substantial military acquisition from France.
In February 2022, Indonesia’s Air Force inked a landmark $8.1 billion deal for 42 French-made Rafale aircraft, as confirmed by Air Vice Marshal Sukadis. He elaborated, “The signing of the Rafale contract also provides training to pilots and technicians of Rafale aircraft so that they can maintain optimal aircraft performance.” This statement underscores the comprehensive nature of the deal, which includes a significant human resource development package centered around pilot crew training and aircraft maintenance.
India sees this as an opportunity to showcase its MRO capabilities, which are crucial for the lifecycle management of such sophisticated aircraft. The Indian defense sector has been developing its MRO infrastructure to not only support its own fleet but also to attract international clients. The Rafale MRO facilities in India are part of a broader strategy to leverage the experience gained from operating the same aircraft type, which India has been doing since receiving its first batch in 2020.
The offer to Indonesia involves providing maintenance services, which could include routine checks, repairs, and overhauls, thereby ensuring that the Rafale jets remain in top operational condition. This not only extends the life and efficiency of the aircraft but also offers cost savings and strategic advantages to the Indonesian Air Force by localizing maintenance support.
Moreover, by engaging in MRO activities for the Rafale jets, India aims to deepen its defense cooperation with Indonesia, potentially leading to further military partnerships and technology transfers. This move also aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative, which encourages the growth of domestic manufacturing and service industries, including defense.