Crafting a Strategic Framework for MRO: A Comprehensive Approach

As nations seek to strengthen operational resilience, localize capability, and optimize high-value asset lifecycles, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) becomes more than just a support service — it becomes a strategic lever.

This article outlines how to design a modern MRO strategy framework — particularly for defense and industrial assets — and what it takes to implement such a strategy successfully.

1. Define the MRO Strategic Objective

Any MRO strategy must start with clarity of purpose. Align with broader goals such as:

• Maximizing fleet readiness and operational availability

• Reducing total cost of ownership (TCO) over the lifecycle

• Supporting national localization goals (e.g., Vision 2030)

• Ensuring technology transfer and skill development

• Enhancing supply chain security and independence

Ask yourself: Is the aim efficiency, sovereignty, or long-term resilience?

2. Establish the Strategic Pillars

Structure the strategy around foundational pillars:

Pillar	Description
Availability	Keep mission-critical assets ready and operational
Cost Efficiency	Optimize resources and reduce unplanned downtime
Localization	Develop local capacity and jobs
Digitalization	Adopt predictive tools and data-driven processes
Sustainability	Improve energy use, waste reduction, and lifecycle emissions
Workforce Development	Upskill national talent and reduce external dependency

3. Conduct a Landscape Assessment

A strategy built in isolation is likely to fail. First, assess:

✔ Technical Readiness

• Asset mix, age, and technical documentation

• Complexity of platforms and systems

✔ Operational Baseline

• Availability rates

• MTTR, MTBF, downtime impact

✔ Economic/Industrial Context

• Local vendor maturity and capabilities

• Availability of certified personnel

• Alignment with offset obligations or national mandates

✔ Governance & Stakeholders

• Who owns the assets, authorizes work, certifies standards?

• What are the interdependencies between defense, transport, industry, and education sectors?

4. Choose the Right Delivery & Outsourcing Models

Design your MRO ecosystem by selecting appropriate delivery models:

Model	When to Use	Key Advantage
In-House	For security-critical systems	Maximum control
Contracted Support	For specialized or seasonal tasks	Speed and flexibility
Performance-Based Logistics (PBL)	For high-value fleets	Availability and cost predictability
Joint Venture (JV)	For long-term localization	Capability development
Integrated Logistics Support (ILS)	With new system acquisitions	End-to-end lifecycle planning

5. Build the Strategy Framework

Structure the MRO strategy with the following components:

A. Strategic Vision

“To create a sustainable, high-performance, and locally-driven MRO ecosystem supporting operational excellence and industrial independence.”

B. Objectives & KPIs

Objective	KPI Example
Improve uptime	Operational availability > 90%
Reduce cost	TCO reduced by 15–25%
Localize capacity	50% in-Kingdom MRO value
Upskill workforce	2,000 nationals trained and certified

C. Enablers

• Digital maintenance platforms (CMMS, digital twins)

• Supply chain partnerships

• Regulatory incentives (tax, land, training support)

• OEM engagement and IP transfer frameworks

D. Governance & Oversight

• Multi-stakeholder oversight body

• Defined roles for MODA, SAMI, industry partners

• Clear accountability and escalation protocols

6. What It Takes to Implement This Strategy

Strategy without execution is just ambition. Implementation requires investment, commitment, and coordination across five key domains:

1. Institutional Commitment

• High-level sponsorship from defense ministries, industry regulators, and localization authorities

• Cross-sector collaboration (e.g., defense, education, industry, logistics)

2. Policy & Regulatory Support

• Clear localization requirements embedded in acquisition and MRO contracts

• Offset regulations mandating technology and knowledge transfer

• Recognition of certifications from international OEMs and training bodies

3. Infrastructure Development

• Investment in dry docks, hangars, and technical workshops

• Creation of centralized digital platforms and MRO databases

• Designation of MRO hubs (e.g., industrial cities, naval bases)

4. Capability Building

• Establishment of technical training centers in collaboration with OEMs and local colleges

• National certification pathways for technicians, engineers, and inspectors

• Long-term workforce planning for engineers, logisticians, and IT support

5. Strategic Partnerships

• Early engagement with global OEMs to establish JVs or license agreements

• Public-private investments in tooling, systems, and facilities

• Participation in international MRO networks for benchmarking and co-development

Final Thoughts

An effective MRO strategy is a multi-layered endeavor — it requires technical expertise, industrial maturity, and policy alignment. But done right, MRO transforms from a cost center into a national capability multiplier.

It ensures fleet readiness, builds local jobs, catalyzes industrial growth, and secures long-term strategic autonomy.