Sarbjit Singh,
President Defence Aerospace, ST Engineering
Versatility is ST Engineering’s hallmark, with a diverse portfolio that spans aerospace, smart cities, digital solutions, defence, and public security. “We distinguish ourselves from other key players in the industry through our unwavering commitment to quality, reliability, and assured Turnaround Time (TAT) for all our customers. To date, we have completed over 685 C-130 redeliveries, repaired over 1,260 T56 engines, and overhauled more than 2,000 components annually. Our ability to consistently provide high-quality services and timely aircraft redeliveries sets us apart,” said Sarbjit Singh, President Defence Aerospace, ST Engineering. In an interview with Aeromag, he discusses the company’s participation in the Egypt International Airshow, expansion plans, collaborations, technological advancements, as well as future goals and aspirations.
ST Engineering is renowned for its innovative solutions in defence aviation. How does ST Engineering’s Defence Aerospace business collaborate with clients and industries to tailor solutions to their specific needs and challenges?
We listen to our customers’ needs and proactively design alternative solutions to effectively meet their operational needs. If an Air Force comes to us to replace individual avionics components for their C-130s, we will not simply respond with a quotation. We will assess and propose a solution that meets their immediate needs and at the same time address the future obsolescence issues for their other components. The best thing is that our solutions are seamlessly integrated within the cockpit to improve aircrew effectiveness and efficiency.
It is our steadfast commitment to help customers achieve their operational needs. Being a one-stop shop means that our customers do not have to manage and coordinate with multiple individual MROs for airframe, engines, and components, hence customers can count on our assured Turnaround Time (TAT) to meet their planned operational requirements. We prioritise quality and reliability, adhering to the highest standards so that our customers continue to run their operations safely and without interruption until the next major depot maintenance.
Could you tell us about ST Engineering’s objectives and expectations from participating in the Egypt Air Show 2024? What will ST Engineering showcase at the event?
The Egypt International Air Show hosts many Middle Eastern and African Air Forces, as well as Army, Naval, and National Guard aviation wings. We look forward to engaging them to showcase how we can support them with our solutions, especially the value that our C-130 Centre of Excellence (COE) could bring to the regional C-130 fleet.
Our booth at G58 will showcase our C-130 COE, which has been a Lockheed Martin approved Hercules Service Centre (HSC) since 1996. We are also a Rolls Royce Service Centre for the T56 Engine as well as a component service centre approved by various OEMs for the full range of C-130 components.
Visitors can learn about our extensive MRO and engineering work on the C-130s and L-100s for many customers across the world, including Full Glass Cockpit Avionics Upgrades, Centre Wing Box (CWB) replacements/repairs, and Heavy Depot Maintenance.
With facilities in Asia Pacific, the U.S., and Europe, does ST Engineering have plans to expand into the Middle East and Africa? How critical is this region as a market in today’s geopolitical landscape, and how does ST Engineering view the Egypt Air Show as a platform to enhance its presence in the region?
The MENA region is an important market for us as some of our best and oldest customers come from this region. For example, the Royal Air Force Oman (RAFO) has trusted us with C-130 periodic checks, maintenance programmes, and Avionics upgrades since 1995 (almost 30 years continuously!) and the Tunisian Air Force (TAF) for the same solutions since 2014.
Given that Egypt continues to rank among the top 15 military powers in the world and leads the Middle East and North Africa region in air power this event provides an excellent platform to engage with key industry players and enhance our presence in the region.
As one of the world’s largest OEM and MRO solutions providers, what distinguishes ST Engineering from other key players in the industry? What competitive advantages does ST Engineering offer to its clients and partners?
We distinguish ourselves from other key players in the industry through our unwavering commitment to quality, reliability, and assured TAT for all our customers. To date, we have completed over 685 C-130 redeliveries, repaired over 1,260 T56 engines, and overhauled more than 2,000 components annually. Our ability to consistently provide high-quality services and timely aircraft redeliveries sets us apart.
The best testimony of our quality, reliability, and assured TAT is that our customers stay with us in the long run. Other than the Royal Air Force of Oman, who have been with us for almost 30 years, we have Lynden Air Cargo flying their L-100 all the way from Alaska to Singapore for CWB replacements/repair, avionics upgrade installation, and regular depot B & C-checks. They have been strong and steadfast partners with us for the past 25 years and this year marks the impressive milestone of the redelivery of their 186th aircraft from our C-130 COE! James Schneider, Director of Maintenance at Lynden Air Cargo, said it best, “ST Engineering has consistently proven that they can do just about anything!”
Besides being a strategic partner to the Republic of Singapore Air Force, we have also supported other established forces like the United States Marine Corps, Pacific Air Forces, Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), Indonesian Air Force, Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JSDF) and Bangladesh Air Force. Our extensive experience and proven track record in providing reliable, high quality, and assured TAT make us a preferred partner for customers all around the world.
Looking ahead for ST Engineering’s Defence Aerospace business, what are the strategic priorities, goals, and aspirations for the future, particularly in terms of growth, market expansion, and exports?
Looking ahead, we aim to expand our global presence by establishing MRO capabilities in strategic international markets through partnerships and infrastructure investments. We also plan to expand our customer base by developing MRO and engineering capabilities for next-generation aircraft fleets, such as the C295 and C-390.
