Rafale and Mirage Jets to be Repaired at Noida Airport; Over 20,000 Jobs to be Created for Youth through Training Program

India’s aviation and defense sectors are set to receive a major boost as Dassault Aviation prepares to establish a facility at Noida Airport in Jewar, Greater Noida, to repair and maintain Rafale and Mirage-2000 jets. This move will not only strengthen India’s defense capabilities but also offer extensive training programs for young people, creating numerous job opportunities in the aviation sector.

To achieve this, Dassault Aviation will set up a Centre of Excellence and a specialized university at the airport. These facilities will offer courses and apprenticeships designed to develop a skilled workforce. Consequently, youth will gain the expertise needed to succeed in aviation maintenance careers.

Moreover, the initiative will target students who have completed their 10th or 12th grade. Specifically, those who have completed 12th grade will be eligible for a Bachelor of Science degree in Airport Maintenance, Avionics, and Aircraft Vector systems. On the other hand, students who have finished their 10th grade can enroll in a three-year diploma program, followed by a one-year apprenticeship in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO).

In addition, short-term training courses in Aircraft Maintenance will also be available to 10th-grade students. This option will allow them to gain practical skills quickly, providing a fast-track route into the workforce.

Dr. Arunveer Singh, CEO of the Yamuna Authority, emphasized the importance of this initiative. He stated that it will equip students with the skills necessary for high-demand aviation jobs. As a result, over 20,000 youth will benefit from these training programs, reducing unemployment and creating career opportunities in the aviation industry.

Building an MRO Hub at Noida Airport

Currently, India depends on foreign countries for much of its aircraft maintenance. However, as the country’s fleet of aircraft continues to grow, maintaining these planes domestically has become increasingly necessary. To address this demand, Dassault’s facility at Noida Airport will play a critical role. The MRO hub, expected to open in six months, will include a specialized area for repairing military jets like the Rafale and Mirage-2000. In addition, the 40-acre area already planned for passenger aircraft repairs will be part of this expansion.

Once the MRO hub becomes operational, India will no longer need to rely on foreign nations for the upkeep of its defense aircraft. This will reduce costs, improve turnaround times, and help strengthen India’s defense industry. Furthermore, it will create thousands of jobs in the aviation sector, contributing to economic growth.

Dassault’s Decision to Choose Uttar Pradesh

Initially, Dassault considered investing in Tamil Nadu. However, Uttar Pradesh successfully attracted the company with favorable terms, prompting Dassault to shift its investment plans. The state government, alongside the Ministry of Defence, worked collaboratively to bring the project to fruition. As a result, Dassault agreed to set up its operations in Noida.

The deal includes a ₹12 crore subsidy under the FDI policy, which will further encourage the growth of Uttar Pradesh as a key hub for aerospace and defense industries. Consequently, this investment will generate significant job opportunities and boost the state’s economy.

India’s MRO Industry: A Growing Market

India’s MRO industry is expected to see substantial growth over the next decade. The market, which was valued at $1.7 billion in 2021, is projected to expand to $7 billion by 2030. Consequently, the development of MRO hubs like the one at Noida Airport will play a pivotal role in this growth. This will allow India to maintain its expanding fleet of aircraft domestically while reducing reliance on foreign providers.

By investing in MRO capabilities within the country, India will not only save on maintenance costs but also generate revenue by attracting global clients. In the long run, the training provided at the Centre of Excellence will help build a skilled workforce, ensuring that India has the expertise necessary to support its aviation industry.