French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation is planning to establish a state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility near the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar (DXN), further strengthening India’s aviation infrastructure and fostering the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The announcement was made by the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) on Tuesday, confirming that Dassault has formally expressed interest in setting up the facility in the Aviation Hub being developed near the airport. The proposed MRO center is expected to cater to both civil and defense aircraft, aligning with Dassault’s growing footprint in India through its Rafale fighter jet program and industrial collaborations with Indian partners.
The MRO facility will not only reduce dependence on overseas service centers for aircraft maintenance but also enhance India’s capabilities in aviation support services. Currently, Indian airlines and defense entities spend billions annually on sending aircraft abroad for overhauls and complex repairs—a gap that the Dassault facility aims to address.
Officials from YEIDA revealed that a high-level delegation from Dassault Aviation has already visited the site and held discussions regarding land allocation, infrastructure support, and potential collaborations. The move is being seen as a strategic investment that will attract ancillary aerospace businesses, generate employment, and bolster India’s ambition to become a global aviation hub.
The Noida International Airport, currently under construction, is envisioned as a multi-modal logistics and aviation gateway for northern India. With global players like Dassault showing interest, the region is poised to become a magnet for high-value aviation and defense investments.
This development follows a series of policy initiatives by the Indian government to promote MRO activities domestically, including tax incentives, simplified procedures, and greater FDI allowances. If the plan materializes, the Dassault facility will join a growing list of foreign aviation firms choosing India as a strategic operations base in Asia.
Further details regarding timelines, investment size, and scope of operations are expected in the coming months as discussions progress between Dassault, YEIDA, and central aviation authorities.
