The Aryavarth Express New Delhi, April 7: Air Marshal Umesh Yalla, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force’s Maintenance Command, on Tuesday underscored the urgent need for greater indigenisation and advanced materials research in India’s military aerospace sector to strengthen strategic autonomy and reduce reliance on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
Speaking at a joint seminar organised by CAPS and IMR, Umesh Yalla noted that India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem has largely evolved around licensed production based on foreign designs. Critical components such as engines, avionics, and accessories are often imported as kits, while even domestic production remains tightly controlled by foreign OEMs in terms of technology, processes, and raw materials.
He pointed out that this dependence—combined with geopolitical uncertainties, supply chain vulnerabilities, and equipment obsolescence—makes it essential for India to develop indigenous capabilities. These include repair and overhaul technologies, extending the service life of equipment beyond OEM-prescribed limits, and undertaking upgrades and modifications to improve reliability and performance.
Umesh Yalla highlighted the significant role played by the Indian Air Force’s Base Repair Depots in sustaining and enhancing operational readiness through such efforts.
Addressing key challenges, he described the sector as operating within a complex “triad” of low production volumes, high variety, and stringent safety requirements. He identified hurdles such as material availability, development of technical specifications and processes, prototype testing, airworthiness certification, and the need for rapid execution in mission mode.
Looking ahead, Umesh Yalla stressed the importance of investing in advanced and adaptive materials. He cited shape memory alloys as an example, noting their ability to change shape under specific conditions and return to their original form. Such materials could enable innovations like morphing wings, adaptive control surfaces, and compact actuation systems in future aerospace platforms.
The seminar was attended by senior officials including Air Marshal Anil Khosla, Director General of CAPS; Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO; and Neeraj Gupta, Managing Director of MKU, along with serving and retired defence personnel.
