The Indian Air Force (IAF) has underscored the need for closer collaboration between the armed forces, defence manufacturers, research institutions and certification agencies to accelerate the development of India’s indigenous aerospace ecosystem.
Addressing industry stakeholders during a defence-focused interaction, Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, Officer-in-Charge (Maintenance), highlighted that the future of India’s military aviation capabilities depends on strong partnerships that can rapidly transform innovative ideas into operational systems. He emphasized that cooperation across the defence ecosystem is essential to ensure the timely delivery of advanced technologies for the armed forces.
The senior IAF officer noted that self-reliance in aerospace has evolved beyond an economic objective and has become a strategic necessity in an increasingly complex global security environment. Reducing dependence on foreign supply chains for critical defence technologies will strengthen India’s operational readiness while enhancing long-term national security.
He also stressed the importance of continuous innovation in engineering, maintenance and manufacturing, stating that modern air power requires rapid technological adaptation. The IAF expects industry partners to adopt advanced manufacturing techniques, improve product quality and shorten development timelines to meet the service’s evolving operational requirements.
The interaction highlighted the growing role of India’s private defence sector alongside public-sector organisations in supporting the country’s aerospace ambitions. Collaboration with startups, research laboratories, academia and certification bodies was identified as a key factor in creating a resilient and globally competitive defence industrial base.
The IAF reiterated that initiatives promoting indigenous design, production and lifecycle support will play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s aerospace capabilities. Such efforts are expected to contribute significantly to the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, ensuring that future air power requirements are increasingly met through home-grown technologies and industrial expertise.