Air Marshal Umesh Yalla, head of the Indian Air Force’s Maintenance Command, on Tuesday underlined the importance of indigenisation and advanced materials research in military aerospace manufacturing to cut reliance on foreign OEMs and strengthen India’s strategic independence.

Speaking at the CAPS-IMR Joint Seminar, he noted that the sector has largely developed through licensed production of airframe structures based on foreign designs, while engines, avionics, and other components are typically imported as kits. Even when manufactured in India, foreign OEMs retain strict control over critical technologies, processes, and materials, keeping the country dependent on them.

He pointed out that dependence on external suppliers, geopolitical limitations, and issues of obsolescence make indigenous solutions essential. These include developing repair and overhaul capabilities, extending equipment life beyond OEM limits, addressing supply chain gaps through indigenisation, and implementing upgrades for improved reliability and performance. Such efforts at Base Repair Depots have played a key role in sustaining and enhancing the IAF’s operational readiness.

Air Marshal Yalla also highlighted technical challenges such as low production volumes, high diversity, and strict safety requirements. Other hurdles include sourcing materials, defining technical specifications and processes, building prototypes, securing airworthiness certifications, and executing all tasks swiftly in mission mode.

He stressed the need to focus on advanced and adaptive materials. He cited smart materials like shape memory alloys, which can deform and return to their original shape under specific conditions, with applications in morphing wings, adaptive control systems, and compact actuation technologies. The seminar was attended by Air Marshal Anil Khosla, Director General CAPS; DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat; MKU Managing Director Neeraj Gupta; along with serving and retired officers.