BOEING'S SERVICE SUPPORT FOR SELF-RELIANCE IN AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE

Boeing Defence India (BDI) remains committed to developing in-country capabilities and strengthening its support for India's defence ecosystem

- NIKHIL JOSHI

BOEING'S COMMITMENT TO INDIA SPANS OVER 80 YEARS and surpasses that of any other foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the defence and aerospace sector. The company’s investments permeate the entire value chain of Indian aerospace and defence and set the company apart as a steadfast and reliable partner. The acquisition of a defence platform is a strategic decision for the Indian Armed Forces. It is, therefore, telling that today the Indian Armed Forces operate a range of Boeing platforms, including 11 C-17s, 22 AH-64 Apaches (with six more on order), 15 CH-47 Chinooks, 12 P-8Is, three VVIP aircraft (737 airframe) and two Head of State aircraft (777 airframe), making India one of the largest defence markets for Boeing. Several firsts mark the BoeingIndia relationship, including India being the first international customer for P-8 aircraft, the largest international operator of C-17s outside the US, and the first US weapon integrated on an Indian fighter with the Harpoon.

In addition, ensuring these platforms’ sustained operational effectiveness and unlocking their full potential requires consistent and dependable service support. Boeing plays a key role in enhancing the mission readiness and modernisation of India’s defence forces. Established in 2017 as part of Boeing’s regional growth strategy, Boeing Defence India (BDI) was created to serve as a vital partner to the Indian Armed Forces. BDI remains committed to developing in-country capabilities and strengthening its support for India’s defence ecosystem. This effort is aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India and leverages the significant global technical expertise and product portfolio of The Boeing Company. Our dedication to India is part of a broader strategy that includes establishing similar entities in Australia, the UK, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, to best meet local market and customer needs.