IAF’s Big Maintenance Push: 930 Indian Firms, AI And 3D Printing To Power Aatmanirbharta

Last Updated:August 30, 2026, 1:45 PM IST

IAF is monitoring around 180 innovation projects with MSMEs and startups across the Make, iDEX, and Technology Development Fund schemes

IAF has paired advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence and 3D printing with a domestic industrial network. (AI generated for representation)

In a bid to insulate its fighter fleets from global supply chain disruptions and focus on Aatmanirbharta, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has mounted a multi-pronged overhaul of its maintenance operations.

The force has paired advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence and 3D printing with a domestic industrial network.

A total of 930 Indian firms with core competencies in mechanical, electrical, electronics, and rubber manufacturing are currently helping IAF take care of its maintenance requirements.

CNN-News18 has earlier reported how the IAF has indigenised 97 per cent of frequently required operational spares and 93 per cent of mandatory overhaul spares by developing approximately 62,300 spare parts locally. These efforts by Base Repair Depots have saved Rs 582 crore in foreign exchange over the last five years, while domestic share in capital budget expenditure reached approximately 90 per cent over the last two financial years. However, this is not the end of the story.

IAF is monitoring around 180 innovation projects with MSMEs and startups across the Make, iDEX, and Technology Development Fund schemes. These research and development initiatives have generated business opportunities worth over Rs 17,000 crore for the Indian defence manufacturing ecosystem.

To complement its expanded industrial base, the air force is deploying digital tools to move from reactive repairs to predictive maintenance. Under this tech push, the IAF is using prognostic-based maintenance via Digital Twins technology. By leveraging AI and predictive analytics, technical crews can monitor system health and detect hardware faults before they lead to operational failure.

An in-house 3D Additive Manufacturing facility established in 2022 is fabricating urgent, low-volume parts. The facility prints airborne non-critical spares and ground equipment components using aluminium, steel, and titanium alloys, reducing reliance on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers.

To sustain this technical momentum, the IAF has forged deep strategic research partnerships with premier academic institutions, including the IITs, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), and the Military Institute of Technology (MILIT).

The IAF’s indigenisation drive spans its fighter fleet that includes Su-30MKI, Rafale, Tejas, Mirage 2000, MiG-29 and Jaguar. Recent procurement and indigenisation tenders show the breadth of requirements being opened to Indian industry. These include spares for the Su-30MKI and Mirage 2000, as well as complex aviation spares identified for domestic development.

In one recent Su-30MKI tender, the listed requirements included fuel pumps, drogue assemblies, control panels, valves, hoses and torque drum units. The IAF has also sought domestic development of radar spares such as printed circuit board assemblies.

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What new opportunities does Aatmanirbharta create for Indian firms?

Aatmanirbharta creates opportunities for Indian firms in defence manufacturing, including the production of 405 strategically important items with an estimated business potential of approximately 3,070 crore rupees.

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About the Author

Akash Sharma

Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experien…Read More

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