Bengaluru-based Merlinhawk Aerospace collaborates with Boeing Defense India to offer localized sustainment for advanced EO/IR defense systems.
CHANDIGARH — Bengaluru-based aerospace firm Merlinhawk Aerospace Private Limited announced a strategic agreement with Boeing India Defense Private Limited on Friday. This alliance aims to provide localized sustainment support for advanced Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) systems across Indian defense platforms.
Under this agreement, Merlinhawk Aerospace will utilize its L3Harris WESCAM Authorized Service Center in Bengaluru. The facility will deliver complete maintenance, repair, technical support, and lifecycle sustainment for EO/IR units. Consequently, the collaboration will boost local support capabilities, reduce maintenance turnaround time, and improve fleet operational readiness for Indian defense forces.
Nikhil Joshi, Managing Director of Boeing Defense India, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration.
“The Indian Navy’s P-8I fleet acts as a cornerstone of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Joshi. “Partnering with Merlinhawk Aerospace for domestic EO/IR maintenance demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to self-reliance and India’s growing defense ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, this partnership directly aligns with India’s push toward indigenous defense sustainment. By shifting critical maintenance capabilities domestically, the initiative reduces dependence on foreign repair cycles. Furthermore, it strengthens India’s position as a reliable global aerospace MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) hub.
Kartik Ramineni, CEO of Merlinhawk Aerospace Private Limited, emphasized the operational impact of the joint venture.
“As technology integration grows across defense platforms, providing swift in-country lifecycle support becomes essential,” stated Ramineni. “Through our WESCAM Authorized Service Center, we will accelerate service responses, minimize downtime, and support the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.”
The dedicated center of excellence features certified technical staff, specialized tools, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) approved processes. Therefore, the setup ensures world-class maintenance support for complex airborne mission systems right within India.
