Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on January 22, 2026, laid the foundation stone for a new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Hub at Missamari in Assam, marking a significant step towards strengthening indigenous defence support infrastructure and enhancing Army Aviation capabilities in the Eastern Theatre.
The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and aims to improve aircraft availability, reduce dependence on foreign MRO providers, and ensure faster operational turnaround in a region marked by difficult terrain and challenging weather conditions.
Focus on Operational Readiness and Aviation Support
During the ceremony, Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Gajraj Corps, interacted with PB Rangarao, Chief Executive Officer of HAL Helicopter Complex. Discussions focused on improving the serviceability of Army Aviation helicopters, particularly those deployed in high-altitude and forward areas, through expanded MRO infrastructure and quicker maintenance cycles.
Subsequently, the foundation stone was unveiled jointly by the GOC, Blazing Sword Division, and PB Rangarao, formally initiating the project.
Boost for Army and Air Force Platforms
The Missamari MRO Hub will provide comprehensive maintenance and overhaul support not only to Army Aviation platforms but also to Indian Air Force aircraft operating in the region. By significantly reducing maintenance turnaround time and streamlining logistics, the facility is expected to enhance combat readiness and rapid response capability along India’s north-eastern frontiers.
Its strategic location near key Army airbases and forward operating locations will minimise aircraft transit delays, ensuring faster return to service.
Indigenous Capability and Local Skill Development
HAL’s Helicopter Complex—already supporting platforms such as the ALH Dhruv and Cheetah/Chetak helicopters—will anchor the hub’s operations. The facility will feature state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, modular repair bays, and trained technical manpower, with a focus on avionics, engines, rotors, and airframes.
The project will also contribute to local employment generation, with plans to train technicians from Assam in advanced aerospace maintenance, creating a self-sustaining regional defence maintenance ecosystem.
Strategic Significance
The MRO Hub is expected to become operational within 18–24 months, with phased commissioning. Once fully functional, it is projected to service over 100 aircraft annually, potentially reducing downtime by up to 40 per cent, based on HAL benchmarks.
Beyond infrastructure, the Missamari MRO Hub reflects strategic foresight amid evolving regional security dynamics, particularly in the context of increased military activity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It reinforces HAL’s role as a cornerstone of India’s defence industrial base and underscores the Indian Army’s focus on technology-driven logistics and sustained operational excellence.
The project builds on HAL’s recent MRO expansions across India and positions Missamari as a model for future defence maintenance hubs, strengthening India’s resolve to secure its defence preparedness through homegrown capability and innovation.
