Ukraine War hasn’t impacted upkeep of Russian-origin military equipment used by Indian forces: IAF Chief

Vishal Thapar Jun 01, 2022

Robust stockpiling and indigenisation of spares of Russian-origin military equipment have helped India navigate the uncertainty and disruption caused by the War in Ukraine, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari indicated on the sidelines of the passing-out parade at the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla near Pune on May 30.

“Though we are dependent on Russia for a large number of equipment, the war has not made a major impact as we have already catered to future requirements,” Chaudhari told mediapersons after reviewing the passing out parade.

“We have indigenised many spares that we have been importing from Russia,” he elaborated.

India is learnt to have increased its stockpile of spares of military equipment in view of the two-year-old border stand-off with China in Eastern Ladakh, and was in a relatively comfortable position logistically when the war in Ukraine broke out in February, disrupting military supplies from Russia.

The Air Chief talked about a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the IAF with the IIT-Madras to develop indigenous solutions to maintain various weapon systems.

The armed forces have also reached out to Indian Industry to reduce import dependence or spares. “During the outreach programme with the Indian industry, we have found ample opportunities to have similar MoUs with the MSMEs also,” he said.

The Aatmanirbhar Bharat agenda is being embraced by the armed forces.

“We have decided to make certain items in India, even if it takes more time, and not import,” he said, recalling that a contract for 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was awarded to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited last year and that the delivery will commence in 2024.

Asked about the Indian Air Force climbing up to No. 3 rank on the World Air Power Index, the Air Chief Marshal said, “It was a pleasant surprise for us also that we are placed at the third position. We have got a fairly robust network system which helps us plan our operations, management and maintenance.”

IAF is placed after the US and Russian forces on the World Air Power Index, surpassing China’s People’s Liberation Army.

Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari also referred to the diverse mix of equipment used by the IAF, which has suppliers from six countries. The profile of indigenously-sourced equipment is now increasing with the policy emphasis on self-reliance and Make in India. “I think all these factors have made us rise to the number 3 position and we are very proud of it,” he said.