Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg, Air Officer Commanding in Chief of the Indian Air Force's Maintenance Command, stressed the critical need for India to adopt a self-reliant approach to the design, development, and certification of aviation equipment.
Speaking at the AVISEM-24 seminar held at the IAF's Base Repair Depot in Pune, Air Marshal Garg highlighted the importance of this strategy in light of ongoing global conflicts.
The two-day seminar, themed "Avionics Standards and Certification," brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including the Centre for Military Aviation Certification (CEMILAC), Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL), Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), and private industry representatives.
Air Marshal Garg emphasized the IAF's commitment to indigenous development and in-house repair, refurbishment, and replacement of avionics systems. He revealed ongoing projects within the Maintenance Command with a value of up to Rs 6,000 crore, underscoring the significant investment in self-reliance.
"Looking inwards while undertaking in-house design, development and certification of aviation equipment is the only way forward to ensure sustenance in the long run," Air Marshal Garg stated. He assured industry partners of the IAF's commitment to knowledge sharing and resource provision for testing and evaluation of indigenously developed aviation systems.
The IAF has partnered with the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) as a consultant to assist the industry in navigating the complexities of indigenous design and development.
The seminar facilitated engagement with over 100 industry partners who showcased their capabilities, shared experiences, and gained insights into the IAF's requirements. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between Headquarters Maintenance Command and the Maratha Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) to foster cooperation in this crucial area.
This emphasis on self-reliance in aviation technology reflects India's growing focus on strengthening its defense capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly in a volatile global environment.
