On arrival, the Air Marshal received a Guard of Honour and was welcomed by Air Commodore D.N. Sahu, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Tughlakabad. Mrs Sreevalli, President of the Air Force Families Welfare Association (Regional), accompanied him. The leadership team provided a detailed briefing on depot functions, ongoing projects, and recent achievements across repair and overhaul lines.
Focus on Indigenisation and Innovation
During a walkthrough of the depot’s workshops and production sections, Air Marshal Umesh reviewed multiple projects where BRD personnel have developed indigenous solutions to meet operational requirements. He appreciated staff initiatives that delivered cost-effective alternatives and reduced lead times—contributions that directly support field units and mission readiness.
The Air Marshal emphasised that fostering innovation at unit level is critical to the IAF’s long-term goals. He encouraged personnel to continue experimenting with practical engineering solutions while adhering to safety and quality standards.
Skills, Training and Technical Proficiency
Addressing depot personnel, Air Marshal Umesh stressed the need for continuous upskilling and technical proficiency. He urged maintenance staff to pursue advanced training and maintain high standards of workmanship, noting that human capital remains the prime enabler of self-reliance in defence maintenance.
“Strengthening domestic capabilities is not just about tools and machines; it is about people skilled, trained and dedicated,” he said, underscoring the importance of training pipelines and hands-on experience for technicians and engineers.
Atmanirbharta and Operational Readiness
The Air Marshal reiterated the importance of reducing import dependence for critical spares and assemblies. He outlined a clear expectation that BRD Tughlakabad should continue to drive indigenisation projects, collaborate with local industry and academia, and deliver scalable solutions that can be adopted across the Maintenance Command.
Umesh highlighted that increasing indigenous production and repair capabilities would not only improve turnaround times but also support the country’s broader defence-industrial objectives under the Atmanirbharta initiative.
Morale and Operational Vigilance
In his interaction with air warriors, Air Marshal Umesh lauded their professionalism and dedication. He urged personnel to maintain peak physical fitness and mental agility, reminding them that operational readiness demands resilience and vigilance in the face of evolving security challenges.
The Air Marshal concluded by encouraging continued collaboration across commands, sharing of best practices, and heightened engagement with domestic suppliers to build a robust maintenance ecosystem that serves the IAF’s strategic needs.