In a significant move towards self-reliance and boosting the domestic aerospace industry, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is breaking new ground by outsourcing some of its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities to the private sector.
This initiative focuses on non-combat sensitive areas and aims to reduce dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) while capitalizing on the growing global MRO market.
Air Marshal CR Mohan, who recently retired as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance, revealed that the IAF is keen on partnering with Indian companies in areas where combat sensitivity is not a primary concern.
This strategic shift acknowledges the challenges faced by the private sector in undertaking military MRO due to lower volumes, higher variety, and stringent certification requirements.
To address these hurdles, the IAF is offering its expertise and infrastructure to "incubate" private players. This includes providing access to technology and facilities at its Base Repair Depots (BRDs), allowing companies to gain experience and build capacity. One example is the plan to offer aircraft painting facilities at Hindon Air Base to private airlines, reducing their reliance on overseas MRO services.
This initiative is expected to be mutually beneficial. While the private sector gains access to IAF resources and expertise, the IAF benefits from cost-effective solutions and reduced turnaround times.
The IAF has identified approximately 80 potential areas for MRO outsourcing, with several already in various stages of approval. These include maintenance and overhaul of Mi-17 helicopters, MiG-29 fighter jets, and AN-32 transport aircraft.
In addition to aircraft maintenance, the IAF is also looking to outsource the maintenance of ground equipment and supply chain management. This phased approach allows the IAF to gradually expand private sector participation in its MRO activities.
This initiative aligns with the government's push for self-reliance in the defence sector and aims to leverage the projected growth of the Indian MRO market, which is expected to reach $4 billion by 2031, according to a NITI Aayog report.
By fostering collaboration between the IAF and the private sector, this strategy is poised to boost the domestic aerospace industry while enhancing the IAF's operational efficiency.
