A decade-long modernisation plan is being prepared by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to identify services and technologies that the IAF would also share with the private sector. The plan is to give out the details of its requirements in specific quantities to enable private firms to set up their own manufacturing facilities.
However, only about 10-15 percent of the estimated Rs. 2.5 lakh crore worth of projected acquisitions are expected to be from domestic manufacturers, the Economic Times reported.
The Indigenisation Roadmap for 2016-2025 will be released at a CII event on Tuesday. It lists 174 parts such as sub-systems for Jaguar fighter aircraft and spare parts for its AN-32 transport fleet, which need to be indigenised. This would also include maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) as a major area of participation.
"Unfortunately, only 10-15 percent of these are expected to be from indigenous sources as the technologies needed are not available indigenously. Creating a defence MRO in private sector has not only become a reality but it is also well facilitated by liberal government policies," the ET reported, citing the road map.
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In addition, the road map also suggests setting up of micro, small and medium enterprises to meet the needs of the IAF.
"There is a huge potential for indigenisation of capital equipment as well as maintenance spares in IAF," the road map states.
The Indian Airforce has a strength of 1,70,000 personnel and about 1,500 aircraft in 42 squadrons. It is the fourth largest air force in the world after the U.S., China and Russia.
