Indian Air Force Launches Sankalp-2026: Major Push for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s defence self-reliance, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially launched Sankalp-2026, a comprehensive roadmap designed to indigenise critical spares, avionics, electronic systems and maintenance capabilities across its combat fleet.
The initiative comes at a crucial time when global geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have disrupted defence supply chains, making imported military spares increasingly expensive and difficult to procure. Through Sankalp-2026, the IAF aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers while enhancing operational readiness through indigenous technology and manufacturing.
Key Highlights of Sankalp-2026
- Indian Air Force launches Sankalp-2026 compendium.
- Focus on indigenous production of critical defence spares.
- Highest priority given to Sukhoi-30MKI and MiG-29 fighter fleets.
- Russian avionics and electronic systems to be gradually replaced with Indian alternatives.
- Indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile integration.
- Uttam AESA Radar to become a key upgrade for Tejas aircraft.
- Private defence companies to work inside IAF Base Repair Depots under the Plant-in-Plant model.
- Nearly 300 indigenisation projects already underway through IAF, DRDO and IIT collaborations.
Why Has the IAF Launched Sankalp-2026?
For decades, India’s frontline combat aircraft have relied heavily on imported components, particularly from Russia. However, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has exposed vulnerabilities in global military supply chains, leading to:
- Delays in spare parts delivery
- Rising procurement costs
- Maintenance challenges
- Reduced operational flexibility
To overcome these challenges, the Indian Air Force has prepared Sankalp-2026, a detailed compendium listing equipment, components and technologies that domestic industries can manufacture in India.
The document serves as a practical guide for defence manufacturers, startups, MSMEs and technology companies to participate in India’s defence indigenisation mission.
Major Focus on Sukhoi-30MKI and MiG-29 Fleets
The largest share of the initiative targets India’s Russian-origin fighter aircraft.
Currently, the Indian Air Force operates approximately:
| Aircraft | Approximate Fleet Strength |
| Sukhoi-30MKI | 270 |
| MiG-29 | 70 |
| Naval MiG-29K | 40 |
Together, these aircraft form the backbone of India’s air combat capability.
Sankalp-2026 proposes replacing imported systems with indigenous alternatives, including:
- Mission avionics
- Flight electronics
- Radar systems
- Electronic warfare equipment
- Navigation systems
- Communication equipment
- Line Replaceable Units (LRUs)
Indigenous Astra Missile to Become a Standard Weapon
Another major objective is integrating the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) across the Sukhoi-30MKI and MiG-29 fleets.
The Astra missile, developed in India, will reduce dependence on imported air-to-air missiles while strengthening indigenous combat capability.
Its integration also supports long-term logistics and maintenance independence.
Tejas to Receive Complete Indigenous Upgrades
Sankalp-2026 also places significant emphasis on the LCA Tejas programme.
The roadmap calls for complete indigenisation of:
- Mission avionics
- Electronic warfare suite
- Mission computers
- Communication systems
- Radar integration
A major milestone will be the induction of the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, developed in India.
The advanced radar is expected to significantly improve:
- Target detection range
- Multi-target tracking
- Air combat capability
- Electronic warfare resistance
- Overall mission effectiveness
Plant-in-Plant Model: A New Industry Partnership
One of the most innovative aspects of Sankalp-2026 is the introduction of the Plant-in-Plant concept.
Under this model:
- Private defence companies deploy skilled manpower directly inside IAF Base Repair Depots (BRDs).
- Indigenous manufacturing and repair activities are carried out within secure Air Force facilities.
- Faster overhaul of aircraft systems.
- Quicker production of critical spares.
- Reduced maintenance turnaround time.
This approach is expected to strengthen collaboration between the armed forces and India’s private defence industry.
Nodal Technology Centres Driving Innovation
The Indian Air Force has already established Nodal Technology Centres (NTCs) across various Base Repair Depots.
These centres work closely with:
- DRDO
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- Academic institutions
- Defence research organisations
According to the roadmap, nearly 300 projects are already being executed to develop indigenous alternatives for imported military components.
The next phase involves expanding participation by domestic private manufacturers.
Reducing Dependence on Imported Military Spares
The compendium identifies several critical technologies where India aims to achieve self-reliance, including:
- Aircraft avionics
- Electronic warfare systems
- Aero-engine components
- Flight control systems
- Radar modules
- Mission computers
- Communication equipment
- Navigation systems
- Sensors
- Line Replaceable Units (LRUs)
These technologies are considered vital for ensuring uninterrupted combat readiness during geopolitical crises.
Beyond Russian Aircraft: Rafale and US-Origin Helicopters Included
Although Russian-origin aircraft receive the highest priority, Sankalp-2026 also outlines future indigenous support requirements for:
- Rafale fighter aircraft
- US-origin helicopters
- Other imported defence platforms
This demonstrates that India’s long-term objective extends beyond replacing Russian imports and aims to create a comprehensive indigenous maintenance ecosystem across the entire Air Force inventory.
Opportunity for India’s Defence Industry
The roadmap opens significant opportunities for:
- Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)
- MSMEs
- Startups
- Private aerospace manufacturers
- Component suppliers
- Electronics companies
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) firms
The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) has highlighted the importance of integrating design, certification, manufacturing, quality assurance and long-term sustainment to build a globally competitive defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Strategic Importance of Sankalp-2026
The initiative aligns closely with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Its broader objectives include:
- Reducing foreign dependence
- Enhancing operational readiness
- Building indigenous technological capability
- Strengthening national security
- Developing India’s defence industrial base
- Creating employment in high-technology manufacturing
- Ensuring supply chain resilience during international crises
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Sankalp-2026?
Sankalp-2026 is the Indian Air Force’s roadmap for indigenising critical defence spares, avionics, radars and maintenance capabilities across its combat fleet.
Which aircraft are the primary focus?
The highest priority is on the Sukhoi-30MKI and MiG-29 fighter aircraft, followed by Tejas, Rafale and other imported platforms.
Why was Sankalp-2026 launched?
The initiative was launched to reduce dependence on imported military components, particularly after disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
What is the Plant-in-Plant concept?
It allows private defence companies to work directly inside IAF Base Repair Depots to manufacture, repair and overhaul critical aircraft systems.
What is the significance of the Uttam AESA Radar?
The indigenous Uttam AESA Radar will significantly improve the combat capabilities of the Tejas fighter by enhancing detection, tracking and electronic warfare performance.
Conclusion
The launch of Sankalp-2026 marks a major milestone in India’s journey towards defence self-reliance. By prioritising indigenous development of avionics, radars, electronic warfare systems, weapons integration and critical aircraft spares, the Indian Air Force is building a more resilient and technologically independent force.
With strong collaboration between the IAF, DRDO, IITs and private industry, Sankalp-2026 is expected to accelerate India’s transformation into a global defence manufacturing hub while ensuring that frontline fighter aircraft remain combat-ready despite evolving geopolitical challenges.