Tech Desk: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally launched Sankalp-2026, a crucial roadmap designed to drastically indigenise the spares and systems for its extensive Russian-origin fighter fleet. This strategic initiative, detailed in a comprehensive compendium, directly addresses critical supply chain disruptions exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with a primary focus on sustaining the backbone Sukhoi-30MKI and MiG-29 aircraft.

The compendium outlines specific requirements for domestic industry, including replacing Russian avionics with indigenous systems and integrating advanced Indian weapons like the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. The plan also extends to the TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft, aiming for complete indigenisation of its avionics and electronic warfare suites, crucially incorporating the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.

To accelerate this self-reliance, the IAF is pioneering a “Plant-in-Plant” concept, enabling private companies to operate directly within secure Base Repair Depots (BRDs). This model, alongside existing Nodal Technology Centres collaborating with IITs and DRDO, is set to scale up indigenous repair, overhaul, and spare production, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.

Sankalp-2026 is a significant opportunity for the domestic defence industry, extending beyond Russian platforms to include requirements for US-origin helicopters and French Rafale jets. This broad push aligns with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, making defence self-reliance a paramount national security imperative to achieve technological sovereignty amidst geopolitical uncertainties.