Indian Air Force Explores Indigenisation Strategies at Base Repair Depots

The Indian Air Force is implementing various methods, including plant-in-plant models, at its Base Repair Depots to boost indigenisation efforts. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers.


Coimbatore: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively pursuing indigenisation programmes at its Base Repair Depots (BRDs), including the exploration of plant-in-plant (embedded) models. This information was shared by Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg AVSM VSM, Air Officer Commanding in Chief, Maintenance Command of the IAF, during the inauguration of the International Defence Aviation Exposition 2024 at the Air Force Station in Sulur on Wednesday.

Air Marshal Garg highlighted the government's initiatives to accelerate self-reliance in defence. He mentioned that the Department of Defence Production is encouraging joint ventures between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Indian industries under inter-governmental agreements. The IAF has established 13 nodal technology centres at its BRDs to facilitate interaction with industry, research and development labs, and academia for initiating R&D projects.

The IAF's indigenisation efforts have yielded significant results, with BRDs successfully indigenising nearly 70,000 items over the years. Air Marshal Garg also noted that the IAF has signed 22 memoranda of understanding with academia and labs to further boost these efforts.

Air Vice Marshal KAA Sanjeeb VSM, Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Maintenance Plans, elaborated on the plant-in-plant concept. He explained that industry partners could utilize the facilities available at the BRDs, allowing them to work with their workforce at IAF facilities. This approach aims to reduce dependence on foreign OEMs.

In a media interaction following the inauguration, Air Marshal Garg and Air Vice Marshal Sanjeeb revealed that two joint ventures have been signed as part of inter-governmental agreements. These initiatives are part of the broader strategy to enhance India's defence manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on imports.

The International Defence Aviation Exposition 2024, featuring 73 stalls, will continue until Thursday, showcasing the latest advancements in defence aviation technology and providing a platform for industry collaboration.

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