An Indian Navy MiG-29KUB fighter jet takes off from Aircraft Carrier INS Vikramaditya

The 5 Base Repair Depot (5BRD) is assigned the role of repair and overhaul of Western origin transport aircraft and maintenance of all range of aircraft testers for the IAF

COIMBATORE: A top IAF official today stressed the need for indigenising more aircraft components by the personnel of maintenance depots for greater self-reliance of the country in defence products.

Air Marshal Hemanth Sharma, Air Officer Commanding In Chief of the IAF Maintenance Command, stated this during his maiden visit to the 5 Base Repair Depot (BRD) at nearby Sulur Airforce station.

Taking note of the progress made by the depot in indigenising aircraft parts, he urged the personnel to be determined and strive to indigenise more of such components for greater self reliance of the country in defence products and to save foreign exchange, an official release said.

In 2015 and 2017, the depot was appreciated by the Prime Minister for noteworthy accomplishments in indigenisation of aircraft components, which were being previously imported at higher costs, he said.

Air Marshal Sharma also exhorted the personnel to ensure the highest operational preparedness of the IAF assets.

He also visited the facilities put in place for operating the Light Combat Aircraft procured by the IAF from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the release said.

The 5BRD is assigned the role of repair and overhaul of Western origin transport aircraft and maintenance of all range of aircraft testers for the IAF.