GMR Aero Technic, an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services provider, has signed an agreement with Boeing Defence India to undertake Phase-56 Heavy Maintenance Checks for the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft fleet.
Under the agreement, GMR Aero Technic will perform Phase-56 heavy maintenance checks on Boeing P-8I aircraft at its state-of-the-art MRO facility within the GMR Aerospace Park SEZ in Hyderabad.
The maintenance will include structural upgrades, comprehensive inspections, painting, and system upgrades, fully aligned with Boeing and defence aviation maintenance standards.
Deal strengthens long-standing Boeing–GMR partnership
“The partnership marks a significant milestone for GMR Aero Technic and significantly deepens our long-standing relationship with Boeing, built on successful collaborations including passenger-to-freighter conversions,” Ashok Gopinath, President, GMR Aero Technic, said in a release on Thursday.
“Supporting our customers’ mission-readiness through strong sustainment partnerships is core to Boeing. Our collaboration with GMR Aero Technic on Phase 56 heavy maintenance checks for the P-8I fleet reflects our continued commitment to building India’s MRO ecosystem,” Nikhil Joshi, Managing Director, Boeing Defence India, said.
P-8I aircraft key to Indian Navy maritime operations
The Boeing P-8I is a long-range maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
It is a key asset for the Indian Navy, providing advanced capabilities to secure India’s maritime domain and ensure mission readiness.
The Indian Navy currently operates a fleet of 12 P-8I aircraft, deployed across squadrons at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu and INS Hansa in Goa.
Published on May 14, 2026