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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is accelerating efforts to produce spare parts locally for its strategic heavy-lift and mid-air refuelling fleets.
Facing continued supply chain bottlenecks from traditional Russian manufacturers, the IAF is actively securing the operational future of its 17 Ilyushin IL-76MD 'Gajraj' military transports and six IL-78MKI 'Midas' refuelling aircraft through a robust domestic manufacturing initiative.
Sustaining the Fleet Through Structured Procurement
Throughout March and April 2026, the IAF rolled out a series of targeted procurement actions to ensure the steady availability of crucial aviation components.These limited tenders are a core element of a comprehensive sustainment strategy designed to guarantee a continuous 365-day maintenance cycle.
Highlighting this structured approach, a major tender (AIRHQ/DPROC/25-26/R26011/PUR) recently closed on April 21, 2026, with bids opening on April 28.
Another key procurement effort (AHQ/DPROC/23-24/R25022T5/PUR) is scheduled to open on May 14, with evaluations following in early June.
Combined with other tenders that concluded earlier in April, this continuous pipeline reflects a highly organized effort to maintain fleet availability.
Focus on Engines and Structural Integrity
A significant portion of these domestic procurement efforts is directed toward the Aviadvigatel D-30KP turbofan engines, which power both the IL-76 and IL-78 platforms.To keep these massive powerplants running reliably, the IAF is sourcing critical engine items like high-pressure fuel line connectors, gaskets, and specialized filters.
Furthermore, with the IL-76 fleet entering its fourth decade of service—having originally been inducted in the mid-1980s—maintaining structural integrity is paramount.
The air force is actively seeking customized seals, rivets, and fasteners designed specifically for these aging airframes to safely extend their service life.
Upgrading Avionics and Localizing Consumables
Beyond heavy mechanical components, the IAF is working to replace outdated Soviet-era electrical and avionics systems with indigenous alternatives.By localizing the production of cockpit instruments, circuit breakers, and relays, the air force ensures these legacy aircraft remain compatible with modern technological upgrades.
The localization drive also extends to routine but vital consumables, such as high-temperature lubricants and specialized hydraulic fluids (equivalent to the Russian-origin AMG-10), systematically removing the historical reliance on foreign imports for day-to-day operations.
Targeting High-Failure Parts to Reduce Downtime
In tandem with immediate procurement tenders, the IAF has issued multiple Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to encourage the Indian defence industry to manufacture high-demand components that experience frequent wear and tear.Priority items include landing gear hoses, brake pads, and rubberized seals.
The primary objective is to drastically reduce "Aircraft on Ground" (AOG) incidents—situations where planes are stranded on the tarmac waiting for overseas parts.
By establishing a local supplier base, the IAF expects to significantly boost turnaround times and overall fleet readiness.
Uncompromising Quality and Safety Standards
While the push for indigenization is moving at a fast pace, the IAF continues to enforce uncompromising safety and performance standards.Indian manufacturers stepping up to the challenge must prove their components exactly match the original specifications set by the Ilyushin Design Bureau.
Alternatively, they must develop "Indian Equivalent" parts that pass rigorous testing and certification by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC).
This strict vetting ensures that India's drive for self-reliance in the defence sector never compromises the reliability or strategic capability of its most vital heavy-lift aircraft.
