SMEs can reduce long wait for spares

Facing crippling shortage of spare parts which often leads to long wait-time especially in the case of Russian equipment used by the armed forces, the defence sector could benefit from Indian small and medium companies entering the field and playing a significant role, opined top defence officials.

Defence Production Department secretary Ajay Kumar invited Russian firms to consider investing in India to produce spare parts, and facilitate technology transfer for India’s land, naval and air systems. “Platforms such as Sukhoi 31, Mark 1, Mig-29 and Mi-17 have been identified for manufacturing of spares in India through joint ventures and transfer of technology with Russian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs),” he said.

Indigenising the production of spares for Russian aircraft used by the Navy alone would lead to a saving of 400% to 2,000%, said assistant chief of naval staff Rear Admiral VM Doss. “The navy is looking to indigenise spare parts of MIG 29k planes which would be in service till 2037 to 2040,” he said, adding that the navy was looking at long-term supply and maintenance contracts for spares.

There is also a plan to set up a facility for repair of 500 lines of components like avionics and others for the planes at Navy Aircraft Yard in Goa, and engine repair and overhaul facility at HAL in Koraput. Indigenisation of components of fighter jet including radar, hydraulic system, head up display, cooling turbine or air conditioning, flight data recorder, landing gear and main nose, fire warning system and airframe is also being considered. The air force, too, has identified 35 additional line for indegenisation.

“The after sales support has been plagued by certain challenges, for example, lead time for provisioning of spares is long, sometimes stretching up to 24 to 30 months. The effectiveness of repairs is hampered due to lack of documentations and supportability of large number of parts are depleting or becoming obsolete,” naval representatives said. To ensure effective repair support module, the involvement of Indian industry, especially the MSMEs, is critical – from licence manufacturing of spares to undertaking repairs or setting up repair centres with OEMs.

The Indian industry representatives wanted a commitment for the provision of technology transfer for land systems like Russian tanks T-72 and T-90 for upgrades, which will help set up base manufacturing sector here.