IAF Signs Contracts with IIT Bombay for Su-30MKI Maintenance

The Indian Air Force signed three contracts with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay on 27 May 2026 for predictive maintenance technologies for the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet. The agreements cover prognostic and prescriptive maintenance systems for military aviation applications in India.

Su-30MKI Fighter Aircraft

The Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force. The aircraft was developed by Sukhoi and customised for India under a licence-production arrangement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Predictive Maintenance Systems

Predictive maintenance uses sensor data, diagnostics, and analytics to estimate equipment condition and forecast failures before they occur. Prognostic maintenance refers to the estimation of remaining useful life, while prescriptive maintenance recommends maintenance actions based on data and system models.

Indigenous Aerospace Technology

The maintenance solutions under the contracts were developed with indigenous expertise from IIT Bombay. The collaboration falls within India’s defence research and development framework, which includes academic institutions, public sector undertakings, and the armed forces.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces and was established on 8 October 1932.
• IIT Bombay was established in 1958 and is one of the Indian Institutes of Technology.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat is a Government of India initiative associated with self-reliance in strategic sectors.
• Predictive maintenance is used in aviation, railways, manufacturing, and power systems.

Contract Oversight

The signing event was overseen by Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb, Director General (Aircraft) of the Indian Air Force, and Professor Shireesh B Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay. The agreements relate to aircraft availability, mission readiness, and maintenance efficiency in the Su-30MKI fleet.