Panaji’s Helicopter Overhaul Facility Set to Launch in Three Months
Panaji’s long-awaited helicopter repair and overhaul facility at Honda in Sattari is finally set to begin operations within the next three months, signalling a major boost to Goa’s defence-linked industrial capacity. Authorities confirmed that infrastructure work at the facility is now complete, paving the way for the launch. Once operational, the facility is expected to generate local employment and play a critical role in servicing India’s military and civil helicopter fleet.
Nearly nine years after its foundation was laid, the helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Honda is set to become operational, following years of bureaucratic delays and pandemic-related disruptions. Developed as a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and French aerospace major Safran, the plant—officially named Helicopter Engines MRO Pvt Ltd (HEMRO)—will specialise in repairing TM333 and Shakti gas turbine engines used in India’s advanced light helicopters like Dhruv and Rudra, as well as in light combat helicopters. The project, backed by a ₹170 crore investment, includes land transferred by the Goa Industrial Development Corporation and repurposed assets acquired from a defunct automobile firm. The completion of infrastructure marks a significant step in operationalising the plant, which will serve a critical function in India’s defence supply chain while offering employment opportunities and enhancing Goa’s role in aerospace engineering.
The facility comes at a time when India’s demand for helicopter engine servicing is growing rapidly, with over 1,000 Safran-designed engines currently powering aircraft across the country. These include 250 TM333 engines and more than 500 Shakti engines, the Indian version of Safran’s Ardiden 1H1 engine co-developed with HAL. The partnership has now expanded under a Memorandum of Understanding to explore further ventures in both civil and military aviation markets, potentially positioning Goa as a regional MRO hub. Experts noted that the strategic location and dual-use infrastructure make the Honda facility vital for India’s defence preparedness. The Ardiden 1U engine, which powers new light utility helicopters, is also expected to be supported by this centre. The push towards local maintenance capabilities aligns with national goals for defence indigenisation, making this operational milestone not just a regional economic development but a national security achievement in line with broader aerospace ambitions.
The upcoming launch of the Honda-based helicopter MRO facility reflects India’s evolving aerospace landscape and the government’s commitment to self-reliance in defence logistics. With critical engine servicing capabilities now available domestically, reliance on foreign maintenance centres will reduce significantly. The project also creates high-skill employment opportunities in Goa and supports industrial growth in Sattari. As India modernises its military aviation fleet, such facilities will play a central role in ensuring readiness, reducing turnaround times, and fostering international cooperation. The operationalisation of this long-delayed project now signals a new chapter in Goa’s contribution to India’s aerospace and defence sectors.
