Anil Ambani's Big Defence Leap: Upgrade India’s Air Power, Target Rs 5,000 Crore Windfall

New Delhi: Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure is focusing on aircraft upgrade programmes as it looks to target Rs 5,000 crore windfall in the next 7-10 years, news agency PTI reported, citing sources. This puts Reliance Infrastructure in the position of India's first private sector company to independently execute a comprehensive aircraft upgrade programme without being the original manufacturer. Traditionally, this sector is dominated by public sector units and OEM.

The Anil Ambani-led firm has successfully upgraded 55 Dornier-228 aircraft under a contract from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), in collaboration with US-based avionics partner Genesys. Originally awarded for 37 aircraft, the contract was expanded with a repeat order of 18 additional units following successful execution. The total value of the project stands at Rs 350 crore, the report added.

The upgraded Dornier fleet is already operational with the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard.

Military aircraft and helicopters typically have service lives of 30 to 40 years. Throughout this lifespan, regular upgrades, especially of avionics, mission systems, and safety equipment, are crucial to maintain combat-readiness and meet modern requirements.

Industry analysts estimate that lifecycle investments in upgrades and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) can reach 200–300% of the original acquisition cost. Globally, the market for such upgrades is currently valued at over Rs 5 lakh crore annually and is projected to grow to Rs 7 lakh crore within the next seven years.

India, with its large fleet of ageing aircraft, presents a major domestic opportunity. As the armed forces modernise legacy platforms to prepare for next-generation warfare, companies like Reliance Infrastructure are stepping in to fill the capability gap traditionally held by public sector units and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Reliance is now looking to expand its upgrade capabilities across both aircraft and helicopters. It is also working closely with global defence partners to bring advanced technologies to India. In addition to the Dornier programme, the company plays a key role in the performance-based logistics (PBL) programme for Rafale fighter jets, in partnership with France’s Thales.

The company’s expanding defence aviation footprint aligns with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative and offers access to a growing multi-billion-dollar global market.

With a proven track record and strong execution capabilities, Reliance Infrastructure is positioning itself as a leading private player in India’s defence ecosystem, offering high-growth potential, global collaboration opportunities, and steady revenue streams for investors and industry stakeholders alike.