IAF signs MoA with IISc, FSID for equipment maintenance solutions
The Indian Air Force (IAF), through its base repair depot at Panchwati, Palam, has formalized a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID), Bengaluru. The agreement was signed in Bengaluru on Monday at a ceremony attended by senior officials including Air Vice Marshal VRS Raju, Deputy Senior Maintenance Staff Officer, Headquarters Maintenance Command, Air Commodore Harsh Bahl and the Air Officer Commanding of the Base Repair Depot. Representatives of IISc and FSID were Captain Sridhar Warrier (Retd.), Registrar, IISc, and Professor B Gurumoorthy, Director, FSID.
Purpose of the agreement
The cooperation aims to address the challenges faced by the IAF in servicing and maintaining equipment on radar systems, aircraft, IT and communications platforms. The focus will be on developing a strategic roadmap for reliability-oriented maintenance, with an emphasis on research and development (R&D).
Advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Digital Twin-based systems will be explored to improve lifecycle management, predictive maintenance and resource optimization.
Highlights of the collaboration
This partnership allows both organizations to share access to testing facilities. It will create a mutually beneficial framework. It is also expected to promote academic collaboration, with IAF personnel pursuing postgraduate programs at IISc and participating in joint R&D initiatives. By leveraging the expertise of IISc and FSID, the IAF aims to strengthen its operational efficiency and technological capabilities.
Among the key outcomes expected from the partnership, the IAF aims to develop strategies for reduced maintenance costs, advanced maintenance techniques, improved equipment reliability and improved operational readiness.
Impact on Indigenous Populations of Defense
The initiative is in line with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat program by promoting self-reliance in defense production. This collaboration is expected to encourage the participation of startups, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other industry stakeholders, further accelerating indigenization in the defense sector.
