Indigenous substitution of airborne spares and other parts in IAF has been a key result area to achieve the ultimate objective of strategic self reliance. In this direction to further improve and streamline the indigenization process, the existing Manual of Indigenisation has been revised at Maintenance Command, Vayusena Nagar, Nagpur incorporating all financial and technical guiding documents issued by various Government Agencies. The revised Manual is expected to enable the various Repair and Supply Depots of IAF to accord an impetus to the indigenization efforts in a much more focused manner and achieve significantly higher level of results by tapping the potential of Indian Industry.

The Air Marshal Jagdish Chandra said “In last few decades, our quest for technological evolution and self-reliance has resulted in progress on all fronts. It is imperative for the Indian Air Force to not only ride this wave of change but also Endeavour towards self-sufficiency through a focused, sustained and evolved indigenization programme. Indigenisation provides flexibility by reducing dependence on external agencies and leads to economic growth of the nation. It is important for us to utilize the indigenisation process not only for the spares but also for repair and reclamation of the parts for sustenance of ageing fleets and systems of Indian Air Force. Indigenisation has been a key result area for Maintenance Command to achieve the ultimate objective of strategic self-reliance.

The Manual was last revised in the year 2008 keeping ‘Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) – 2005’ as the guiding document. DPM also has undergone revision in 2009 and further some amendment in 2010. The revised MoI has been prepared brining out various salient aspects of DPM-2009 (and supplement 2010) to boost the process of indigenization. In addition, the revised Manual amplifies the complete process of Indigenisation in seven easy to follow steps and each step having well defined Performa and a fixed template.

Indian Air Force is presently having a mix of legacy weapon systems as well as state of the art new generation weapon delivery platforms. Such a diverse inventory demands ingenuity and foresight to address the maintenance issues. Technological obsolescence has outpaced maintenance and has affected effective exploitation of legacy weapon systems. Over the years, maintenance of these inventories has thrown a great challenge in the face of rapidly diminishing product support from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). New inductions have also posed challenges for maintenance staff for timely supply of various Aircraft General Spares and Ground Handling Equipment. The scenario has led to an inescapable necessity of self-help. We need to convert these challenges into opportunities for growth. Thus, Indigenisation has been the thrust area of HQ MC for over a decade. We have reached a stage where we need to focus beyond the low technology & high volume items.

Development of complete systems and sub-systems through indigenization route would not only provide the necessary boost to self reliance but also address the issue of future product support and upgrade requirements. A focused approach towards indigenization will go a long way in achieving our dream of total self reliance.