In an attempt to focus on and resolve the critical shortage of spares for its fleet of fighter jets, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has asked the domestic defence industry to accelerate the production of its made-in-India inventory.
On Thursday, 30 July 2026, the IAF, along with the top leadership of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), released a landmark “Compendium on Problem Statements.”
This unique document clearly outlines the technology challenges faced by the force and is aptly titled “Sankalp-2026: A Compendium on Problem Statements of the IAF.”
The SIDM compendium translates the operational needs of the Air Force into specific, actionable problem statements that are ready for prototype development and induction into its armoury.
The all-important document was formally released by the Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, along with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh. Also present were two prominent private sector leaders: Arun Ramchandani of Larsen & Toubro Ltd and Neeraj Gupta of MKU Ltd.
The IAF’s inventory is largely of Russian origin, though it has recently been complemented by fighter jets and helicopters inducted from Europe and the US.
The supply of spares has always been the primary challenge for the IAF. The Sankalp-2026 event highlights the urgency with which the Air Force wants the private sector to replace expensive imported parts with indigenous weapons and weapon systems.
In his keynote address, Sanjay Seth emphasized that the aim of indigenisation is to create a stronger defence ecosystem where innovation leads the way, transforming ideas into useful products that further strengthen national defence capabilities.
Appreciating the organization of events like SANKALP, the Minister of State for Defence expressed his belief that the platform will provide opportunities for various stakeholders to discuss and exchange ideas on indigenous maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), component manufacturing, certification, technology absorption, and future advancements.
The ongoing US-Iran and Russia-Ukraine conflicts have drastically impacted traditional military logistics, forcing the IAF to make mid-course corrections in its maintenance doctrines.
Dislocations caused by these current wars have pushed up the cost of spares. The only alternative available is the path of indigenisation.
The day-long workshop brought together industry partners and the maintenance vertical of the IAF command.
The released document serves as a ready reckoner for the industry.
The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), established in 2017, is the apex body of the Indian defence industry. It is a separate entity created within the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) ecosystem.
SIDM works closely with the Ministry of Defence (Government of India), the Armed Forces, and industry stakeholders. Its goal is to advance the concept of ‘Made in India’—or Atmanirbhar Bharat—in defence through policy advocacy, capacity building, and promoting innovation across the sector.
