Reliance Defence Limited, a company backed by Reliance Infrastructure and headed by Anil Ambani, has formed a strategic alliance with Coastal Mechanics Inc., a U.S.-based defence contractor approved by the U.S. Department of Defence. This partnership aims to capitalize on India’s expanding defence maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and upgrade market, which is estimated to be worth around ₹20,000 crore.

As part of the collaboration, a joint venture (JV) will be established at the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) in Maharashtra. The facility is designed to provide full-scale MRO, modernization, and lifecycle support services to both Indian defence forces and international clients. The JV will cater to a broad spectrum of defence equipment, including over 100 Jaguar fighter jets, more than 100 MiG-29 aircraft, the Indian Army’s Apache helicopters, L-70 air defence systems, and other legacy platforms requiring long-term upgrades and maintenance.

This initiative comes at a time when the Indian armed forces are increasingly focusing on enhancing and extending the life of existing systems rather than replacing them, by shifting towards upgrades and performance-based logistics. The partnership seeks to meet this evolving need by establishing world-class manufacturing infrastructure with global certifications, thereby reinforcing India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) mission.

Founded in 1975, Coastal Mechanics brings extensive experience as a trusted supplier to the U.S. military, known for delivering mission-critical components and addressing legacy system challenges through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs. By combining Reliance’s local reach with Coastal Mechanics’ technical expertise, the joint venture is expected to significantly strengthen India’s indigenous defence MRO capabilities and contribute to potential export opportunities, aligning with national goals and international standards.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.