The Aryavarth Express Mumbai (Maharashtra): Air Marshal Ajay Kumar Pan, AVSM, VSM, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer (SMSO) of the Indian Air Force’s Maintenance Command, attended the third edition of LogiMAT India 2026, the country’s premier intralogistics and supply chain exhibition, held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from February 5 to 7.
The event brought together more than 100 global experts and over 12,000 industry professionals, providing a platform to showcase emerging technologies in logistics and supply chain management.
Representing the IAF’s Maintenance Command headquartered in Nagpur, Air Marshal Pan interacted with industry leaders and technology providers to assess advanced solutions aimed at enhancing operational readiness. Key areas of focus included Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), artificial intelligence-driven Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and robotics, which are seen as critical enablers for building a resilient and efficient military supply chain.
“LogiMAT India 2026 offers an important platform to bridge military requirements with cutting-edge industrial innovation,” Air Marshal Pan said during the event. He emphasised the need to integrate smart logistics and green supply chain solutions to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s maintenance and sustainment capabilities.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy with over 37 years of service in the Logistics Branch, Air Marshal Pan highlighted the importance of automation and data-driven systems in ensuring timely availability of critical spares, especially for forward-operating bases.
The visit reflects the Maintenance Command’s continued commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with a focus on fostering indigenous partnerships, reducing dependence on foreign original equipment manufacturers, and adopting modern technologies to streamline logistics operations.
