New Delhi: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-Roorkee) and Indian Air Force (IAF), signed an MoU intending to promote the development of indigenous technologies and equipment through Research and Development in areas of mutual interest on February 14, 2023, at Bengaluru during Aero India 2023 aiming at self-reliance of Indian Defence system.

The MoU was signed by Prof K K Pant, Director, IIT-Roorkee, and Air Vice Marshal SK Jain VSM, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Maintenance Plans), on behalf of IIT Roorkee and IAF, respectively.

During the event, prof. Akshay Dvivedi, Dean of Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy pointed out that with the signing of the MoU, IIT Roorkee will effectively contribute to enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Airforce for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and technology development. Prof. Pradip K. Maji, Associate Professor, Dept Polymer and Process Engineering, IIT Roorkee coordinated the MoU between IITR and IAF.

The MoU was released during the seminar at Aero India 2023 in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Air Staff, Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, PVSM AVSM VM ADC and other dignitaries of the Ministry of Defence, Govt of India.

This MoU outlines the collaborative effort between IIT-Roorkee to achieve the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision for shared global prosperity and making a step ahead toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat by creating a world-class domestic defence industry through research and development. IAF will also partner with IIT Roorkee, and other agencies designated by IITR.

The rationale behind the partnership is to establish long-term relationships and work together to promote the development of indigenous technologies and equipment in the areas of obsolescence management, self-reliance, upgradations, and digitalization through the indigenization of airborne equipment.

IT Roorkee will provide its expertise and cooperation in research for feasibility studies and prototype development. The institute is already equipped with ‘The DRDO Industry Academia-Centre of Excellence’ (DIA-CoE), capable of addressing the armed forces’ critical and futuristic defence technology requirements.

Prof. K.K Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, said, “IIT Roorkee aims to become a strong scientific and technical resource for solving the IAF’s issues by providing innovative solutions through exhaustive research and development. This collaboration will provide a framework to coordinate and execute various complex projects of IAF and involve industrial partners in the direction of problem-solving.”

Air Vice Marshal SK Jain VSM, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Maintenance Plan), highlighted, “The Joint Collaborative efforts will bring out in the near future and the vistas of opportunities that this MoU will open for Indian Air Force and IIT Roorkee. It will address aspects related to deepen cooperation for capacity building, training, space, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and maritime security to grow together.”