Reliance Infra Eyes ₹5,000 Cr Defence Boost via Aircraft Upgrade Drive

A major change is occurring in India’s defence aviation system because Reliance Infrastructure is now giving more attention to upgrading military aircraft and helicopters to capture the market worth ₹5,000 crore over the next 7-10 years. This action signals a major change in the private sector’s role in India’s defence world.

Reliance Infrastructure leads the way, as the first independent Indian company to independently manage an entire aircraft upgrade project without being the main equipment maker. Genesys helped upgrade 55 Dornier-228 aircraft belonging to the company, after working together with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) under a recent contract. At first, the deal was for 37 units, but Reliance was then ordered 18 more, which bumped the contract total to ₹350 crore.

• Reliance Infra is the first Indian private firm to lead a full aircraft upgrade.
• Upgraded 55 Dornier-228s for HAL in a ₹350 crore project for armed forces.
• Tapping ₹5,000 cr domestic opportunity and global defence upgrade market.

Currently, the modernized aircraft play a role in the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard. “With military aircraft and helicopters having a service life of 30-40 years, regular upgrades — particularly of avionics, mission systems, and safety equipment — are vital,” said a company source.

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Some industry experts explain that the cost of upgrading and maintaining a platform may reach two to three times the platform’s original value. Figures suggest that the annual military upgrade market around the globe is more than ₹5 lakh crore and will increase to ₹7 lakh crore by 2032.

As part of the Rafale fighter jet PBL programme, the company Reliance is instrumental due to collaborations with Thales of France. The company is showing its dedication to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ as it pursues opportunities in defence aviation worldwide.