New Delhi: IAF aerospace self-reliance is the top priority for India’s future defence and aerospace sector. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has called for stronger partnerships between defence companies, research organisations, educational institutions and government agencies to build advanced indigenous technologies and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, Officer-in-Charge (Maintenance), Indian Air Force, shared this vision while speaking at the ‘Sankalp’ seminar organised by the Indian Air Force and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) in New Delhi.
Details of IAF Aerospace Self-Reliance Programme
The Indian Air Force said that no single organisation can make India fully self-reliant in aerospace and defence. Instead, the country needs close cooperation between:
- Indian Armed Forces
- Defence manufacturers
- Research organisations
- Universities and educational institutions
- Certification agencies
- Government bodies
Air Marshal Ghuratia said that sharing knowledge, technology and expertise will help India build a stronger aerospace ecosystem.
Indigenous Technology Is the Foundation of Aerospace Self-Reliance
According to the IAF, developing indigenous technology is the most important step towards aerospace self-reliance. India should design, develop and manufacture critical defence technologies within the country. This will reduce dependence on foreign supply chains and improve national security. The Air Marshal said self-reliance is no longer just an economic goal. It is now a strategic requirement for India’s defence preparedness.
Advanced Technologies Will Shape Future Warfare
Modern warfare is changing quickly because of new technologies. The Air Marshal highlighted several important areas:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Predictive maintenance
- Quantum technology
- Cyber resilience
He said India must continue investing in these technologies to strengthen its military capabilities and remain prepared for future challenges.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Is Strengthening India’s Defence Sector
Air Marshal Ghuratia appreciated the Ministry of Defence for supporting initiatives that encourage indigenous defence manufacturing. He said these efforts are helping convert the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat into real defence capabilities by increasing local manufacturing and innovation.
IAF Aerospace Self-Reliance Programme: Excellence and Innovation Must Work Together
During his speech, Air Marshal Ghuratia referred to the teachings of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. He said excellence in duty is one of the guiding principles of the Indian Air Force.
According to him, operational readiness, engineering excellence and continuous innovation are essential for building a modern and self-reliant defence force.
IAF Aerospace Self-Reliance Programme: India Has Made Progress but Challenges Remain
India’s defence manufacturing sector has improved significantly over the past decade. However, the Air Marshal said that complete technological independence has not yet been achieved.
Some critical defence technologies must be developed even if they are not immediately profitable because they are essential for protecting national security.
IAF Aerospace Self-Reliance Programme: India Needs One Unified Aerospace Ecosystem
The Air Marshal said India already has skilled engineers, defence companies, research institutions and manufacturing capabilities. The next step is to bring all these organisations together under one coordinated framework. This will help India achieve technological sovereignty, improve innovation and build a globally competitive aerospace industry.
