Reliance Infrastructure is accelerating the expansion of its defence business by targeting an opportunity worth ₹5,000 crore in aircraft and helicopter upgrade programs over the next seven to ten years Economic Times Infra reported.

Reliance Infrastructure Limited (R-Infra) is an Indian private sector enterprise part of the Reliance Group, headed by chairman Anil Ambani.

The move reflects the company's broader ambition to establish itself as a significant private-sector participant in India's defence aviation ecosystem, particularly at a time when armed forces are increasingly modernising ageing fleets.

The company has emerged as India's first private-sector enterprise to independently execute a comprehensive aircraft upgrade initiative without being the original equipment manufacturer, an area that has traditionally been dominated by public-sector undertakings and established OEMs.

A key milestone in this journey has been the successful modernisation of 55 Dornier-228 aircraft under a contract awarded by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The project was executed in collaboration with US-based avionics specialist Genesys. Reliance was initially entrusted with the upgrade of 37 aircraft and subsequently secured a repeat order for an additional 18 platforms following the successful completion of the earlier work.

Sources indicated that the overall value of the Dornier upgrade contract stood at approximately ₹350 crore. The upgraded aircraft are currently in operational service with the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, highlighting the programme's operational significance.

Military aircraft and helicopters typically remain in service for 30 to 40 years, making periodic upgrades essential to maintain operational effectiveness, safety and mission readiness. Modernisation efforts generally focus on avionics, mission systems, navigation capabilities and other critical onboard equipment, enabling existing platforms to remain relevant in evolving combat environments.

Industry estimates suggest that lifetime investments in upgrades, maintenance, repair and overhaul activities can ultimately amount to as much as 200 to 300 per cent of the original acquisition cost of a defence platform. This creates substantial long-term business opportunities for companies capable of delivering advanced upgrade solutions.

The global market for military aircraft and helicopter modernisation is currently valued at more than ₹5,00,000 crore annually and is expected to expand to roughly ₹7,00,000 crore over the next seven years. India represents a particularly attractive market due to its large inventory of legacy military platforms and growing emphasis on enhancing combat capabilities for next-generation warfare.

Building on its Dornier programme success, Reliance Infrastructure is now seeking to broaden its aircraft and helicopter upgrade capabilities through partnerships with international technology providers, aiming to deliver globally competitive solutions for both domestic and potentially overseas customers.

The company is also an important participant in India's Rafale fighter jet performance-based logistics program through its partnership with France-based Thales. The involvement provides Reliance with valuable experience in supporting advanced frontline combat aircraft while strengthening its credentials in high-value defence services.

Reliance's investments in aircraft upgrades and related aviation support activities are closely aligned with the government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision, which seeks to enhance indigenous defence capabilities and reduce dependence on imports. At the same time, the strategy enables the company to tap into a multi-billion-dollar international market characterised by recurring revenue opportunities and long-term customer relationships.

With a growing track record, proven execution capability and expanding partnerships, Reliance Infrastructure appears well positioned to strengthen its presence in defence aviation. For industry stakeholders and investors, the company's focus on aircraft upgrade programs represents a potentially significant growth avenue within India's rapidly evolving defence manufacturing and services sector, while also creating opportunities for international collaboration and sustained revenue generation.

Agencies