(a) Indian Navy maintains a large inventory of Aircraft and Weapon systems procured from various countries across the world. Maintenance of this inventory involves replacement and repair of components modules, sub-assemblies and major assemblies. IN exploits these resources optimally, well beyond the conservative life stipulated by OEMs. It has been our experience that the product support from OEMs invariably dries up well before this optimal exploitation by IN. Therefore, indigenisation has been the thrust area of Naval aviation for over two decades. Apart from self-reliance and reduced inventories through shorter supply chain, the process helps in absorption of the current technology by the indigenous industry and has long-term spin-offs for the Nation.

(b) Our vision for indigenisation in 21st century is not limited to only a one-to-one replacement of imported items, but also aims at improving upon their operational efficiency and reliability through ab-initio design, production of systems and technology improvements. With support from all concerned, we aim to keep the Indian Naval aviation elements in the highest degree of alertness and operational readiness in the twenty first century.

(c) Significant expansion has been made at the national level in design, development and production activities relating to military aircraft and airborne systems. Interactions between IN and entrepreneurs would open new avenues of partnership to provide an impetus to the indigenisation of aeronautical items. Indigenisation of complex airborne items is an engineering challenge and opportunity to enhance and prove capabilities for meeting stringent airworthiness and qualitative requirements.