India's Mahindra Defence has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ShinMaywa Industries Limited, Japan, with a view to setting up MRO services / manufacturing and assembling of structural parts & components for the ShinMaywa US-2 amphibious aircraft.

The four-engine US-2, which is already operated by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), is billed as the only in-service amphibious aircraft capable of very rough sea operations (sea state 5, up to 3m wave height), along with riverine/lake landing capability, STOL features, long endurance and extended radius of operations with large payload capacity.

India and Japan have been exploring possible cooperation on the US-2 for the Indian market for several years now. Back in 2015, Indian media were reporting a requirement for a 12-18 aircraft.

The two companies announced at the recent Defexpo exhibition in Chennai that discussions were now focusing on the methodology of procurement of US-2 aircraft in reponse to requirements of the Indian Navy. They say that both nations are “working on the way forward to induct this aircraft in India”.

ShinMaywa and Mahindra Defence say the objective is to set up MRO services in India and also undertake manufacturing, assembling of structural parts & components for US-2 amphibian aircraft etc.

This MOU also envisages a strategic partnership between the two companies for future versions of the US-2.

Mahindra – through its Mahindra Aerospace unit — is a major partner for Airbus in India.