Periodic acquisition of aircraft by the IAF over the years has led to a situation wherein the organisation is saddled with an assorted technology spectrum.

The iaf would like to Project itself as a very potent continental force with both regional and extra regional capabilities. An effective indicator of a highly potent force is the ability to produce high sortie generation rate and the ability to tackle a large number of target systems in a short duration of time. Each of these indicators is in turn a function of aircraft systems (like radars) serviceability, system reliability and spares availability. Therefore, engineering and maintenance set up is the backbone of effective combat operations. However, the typical inventory of the IAF poses a daunting challenge for the engineering and maintenance staff.

Periodic acquisition of aircraft by the IAF over the years has led to a situation wherein the organisation is saddled with an assorted technology spectrum. At one end of the spectrum, there are state-of-the art systems, while at the other end, there are low end legacy weapon systems. There are many weapon systems of Indian origin as well. The IAF inventory of weapon platforms exhibits a mix of aircraft and equipment of different generations, technology and origin. IAF operates more than 20 types of aircraft comprising both Russian and western fleets with technological vintages ranging from lowend Avro and MiG-21s to the technologically advanced M2000 and Su-30 MKI aircraft. Similarly, other types of aircraft, radars and missile systems from varied origins are held on the inventory of the IAF. The diversity in which IAF operates is truly multi-dimensional.

Procurement of aircraft and system equipment from a number of vendors and manufacturers results in delays in provisioning of spares. The delays, irrespective of the alibi, all add up to longer down times of aircraft and low fleet serviceability. Different fleets are linked with type-specific maintenance infrastructure. The upkeep and operation of this huge and diverse infrastructure is a challenge in terms of staffing, training and specialisation.