IAF expands indigenous maintenance network with 930 Indian firms

Key facts

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is supported by 930 Indian firms in its maintenance operations.
• IAF has indigenised 97% of frequently required operational spares and 93% of mandatory overhaul spares, developing around 62,300 spare parts locally.
• These indigenisation efforts have saved Rs 582 crore in foreign exchange over the last five years.
• Domestic share in IAF's capital budget expenditure reached approximately 90% in the last two financial years.
• IAF is monitoring around 180 innovation projects with MSMEs and startups under Make, iDEX, and Technology Development Fund schemes.
• The IAF uses AI-based predictive maintenance and a 3D printing facility established in 2022 for urgent low-volume parts.
• Strategic research partnerships exist with IITs, IISc, DIAT, and MILIT for sustaining the indigenisation drive.