India and Malaysia on Wednesday (February 19) explored ways to strengthen their defence cooperation, with a particular focus on maritime security, multilateral engagements, and the defence industry. Both nations agreed to establish a “joint focus group” to tackle non-traditional maritime security threats. The countries have also agreed on the Terms of Reference (ToR) for setting up a ‘SU-30 forum’ to enhance cooperation between their air forces. The forum will facilitate the exchange of best practices for maintaining the Russian-origin fighter aircraft operated by both nations.
In modern military aviation, the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of foreign-origin aircraft remains a significant challenge for nations operating such platforms. Many air forces rely on imported fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters, often facing logistical, financial, and technological constraints in sustaining them over their operational lifetimes.
A practical and cost-effective solution is the establishment of shared MRO facilities among nations operating the same aircraft types. This approach not only reduces dependence on the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) but also enhances operational readiness, optimises resources, and fosters international defence cooperation.
The Need for Shared MRO Facilities
Several factors underscore the importance of a shared MRO strategy:
- Dependence on OEMs and High Costs: Nations operating foreign aircraft frequently rely on OEMs for spare parts, upgrades, and technical expertise. This dependence results in higher costs and delays, particularly when dealing with embargoes or political restrictions.
- Logistical Challenges: Transporting aircraft to foreign MRO hubs for maintenance leads to extended downtimes and additional expenses. Having regional shared MRO centres can mitigate these logistical constraints.
- Limited Indigenous Capabilities: While some nations have developed partial MRO capabilities, many lack the expertise, infrastructure, or financial resources to set up full-fledged maintenance facilities.
- Technology Transfer and Self-Reliance: By collaborating on MRO, nations can facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills, enabling greater self-sufficiency in maintaining their fleets.
- Operational Readiness: A shared MRO framework allows aircraft to be serviced closer to home, reducing turnaround times and ensuring quicker deployment when needed.
The India-Malaysia Su-30 Forum: A Case Study
India and Malaysia recently finalised the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Su-30 Forum, aimed at closer cooperation in maintaining their respective Su-30 fleets. Malaysia operates a squadron of Su-30MKMs, while India has a fleet of over 270 Su-30MKIs, making it the largest operator of the aircraft globally.
India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully indigenised many components and subsystems for the Su-30MKI, reducing dependence on Russia for maintenance and upgrades. The forthcoming “Super Sukhoi” upgrade program, which involves fitting the aircraft with indigenous avionics, radars, electronic warfare suites, and weapon systems, highlights India’s growing capability in aircraft sustainment.
Malaysia, on the other hand, faces challenges in maintaining its Su-30s due to dependence on Russian suppliers and limited local expertise. By participating in the Su-30 Forum, Malaysia can leverage India’s experience and infrastructure to enhance its fleet’s operational efficiency while reducing costs.
This collaboration serves as a model for other nations operating similar aircraft, demonstrating the viability of shared MRO solutions.
Advantages of a Shared MRO Model
A structured, multinational MRO framework offers numerous benefits:
- Cost Efficiency
- Pooling resources for maintenance, spare parts, and upgrades reduces the financial burden on individual nations.
- Joint procurement of spare parts can lead to economies of scale and better bargaining power with OEMs.
- Reduced Dependence on OEMs
- Countries gain the ability to perform maintenance and upgrades independently.
- Establishing local or regional supply chains diminishes reliance on politically sensitive international suppliers.
- Enhanced Aircraft Availability
- Faster turnaround times in servicing and repair ensure higher operational availability.
- Shared facilities in strategic locations reduce the need for aircraft to be sent back to manufacturing countries.
- Technology Transfer and Skill Development
- Partnering nations can share technical knowledge, improving local expertise and workforce capabilities.
- Over time, participating countries can develop indigenous MRO capabilities, enhancing long-term sustainability.
- Strengthening Defence Cooperation
- Joint MRO agreements foster stronger military and diplomatic ties between collaborating nations.
- Standardised maintenance protocols improve interoperability in joint military exercises and operations.
Expanding the Shared MRO Concept
While the India-Malaysia Su-30 Forum is a significant step forward, the concept of shared MRO can be extended across different platforms and regions. Several aircraft types and regions are well-suited for such collaboration:
F-16 Operators in Southeast Asia and the Middle East
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is one of the most widely used fighter jets, operated by over 25 countries. In Southeast Asia, nations like Indonesia, Singapore, and Taiwan rely on US-based support for maintenance and upgrades. Similarly, Middle Eastern operators such as the UAE, Bahrain, and Jordan often depend on Lockheed Martin’s global service network. Establishing regional F-16 MRO hubs could offer these nations a more self-reliant and cost-effective solution.
Eurofighter Typhoon Operators in Europe and the Middle East
The Eurofighter Typhoon is another aircraft with a broad user base, including the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and several export customers such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. A collaborative MRO framework could streamline maintenance efforts across European and Middle Eastern operators, ensuring greater efficiency and readiness.
C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster Operators
Transport aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster are crucial for military logistics. Given that over 70 countries operate the C-130, regional MRO centres in Asia, Africa, and Latin America would significantly enhance aircraft availability and reduce downtime for critical missions.
Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits of shared MRO are clear, several challenges must be addressed:
- Political and Strategic Barriers
- Defence agreements, security clearances, and intellectual property concerns may restrict full technology-sharing between nations.
- Certain countries may be hesitant to rely on regional partners for sensitive military aircraft maintenance.
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection
- Military aircraft contain advanced avionics and classified systems that require stringent cybersecurity measures.
- Nations must establish secure data-sharing protocols to prevent espionage and unauthorised access to critical systems.
- Standardisation and Quality Control
- Differences in operational procedures, regulatory frameworks, and maintenance standards can complicate joint MRO efforts.
- Clear agreements on quality assurance, certification processes, and technical compliance must be in place.
- Infrastructure and Investment Requirements
- Establishing shared MRO hubs requires significant initial investment in facilities, tooling, and skilled personnel.
- A long-term commitment from partner nations is necessary to ensure sustainability and return on investment.
Conclusion
As global defence budgets tighten and geopolitical complexities increase, the concept of shared MRO presents a pragmatic solution for sustaining foreign-origin military aircraft. The India-Malaysia Su-30 Forum exemplifies how countries can leverage mutual strengths to enhance fleet readiness while reducing operational costs.
By expanding this model to other aircraft platforms and regions, nations can achieve greater self-reliance, improve logistical efficiency, and foster deeper defence cooperation. With careful planning, strong regulatory frameworks, and strategic investments, shared MRO hubs can redefine military aviation sustainability in the 21st century.
