The Indian Air Force's 13 Base Repair Depot (BRD) celebrated 50 years of distinguished service with a seminar titled "Air Defence 2040: Sensors, Networks & Sovereign Sustainment" at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.
The seminar was presided over by Air Marshal Yalla Umesh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force's Maintenance Command. Senior military officials, veterans, representatives of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), academics and defence industry partners attended the event.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
13 Base Repair Depot completed 50 years of service since its establishment in 1976.
Golden jubilee seminar held at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
Air Marshal Yalla Umesh presided over the seminar.
Discussions covered quantum sensing, radar modernisation and network-centric air defence.
Hydrogen fuel-cell technology was successfully demonstrated for powering IAF radars.
The demonstration involved the National Green Hydrogen Mission and NTPC.
Addressing the gathering, Air Marshal Yalla Umesh emphasised that the effectiveness of an air defence system depends on its operational availability. He highlighted the importance of developing indigenous capabilities to diagnose, repair and restore sophisticated defence equipment within the country.
He also called upon industry partners to strengthen domestic testing, repair and life-cycle support capabilities. He stressed that maintenance and sustainment should be considered from the equipment design and induction stages.
The seminar featured expert discussions on emerging technologies and future air defence requirements, including quantum sensing, life-cycle management, modernisation of air defence radars and network-centric air defence systems.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The depot plays an important role in maintaining critical radar and communication equipment used by the Indian Air Force. Strengthening indigenous repair and maintenance capabilities can improve defence preparedness and reduce dependence on external support.
A major highlight was the successful demonstration of hydrogen fuel-cell technology for powering Indian Air Force radars. The initiative was undertaken in partnership with the National Green Hydrogen Mission and NTPC, highlighting the potential of clean energy solutions to improve operational resilience and energy autonomy.
Established in 1976, the 13 Base Repair Depot has been an important part of the Indian Air Force's maintenance infrastructure. It undertakes the repair, overhaul and life-cycle support of critical radar and communication equipment.
Tracing its origins to the Radar and Communication Project Office, the depot has contributed to maintaining the operational availability and reliability of India's air defence systems over the past five decades.
The golden jubilee marked five decades of the depot's contribution to strengthening India's defence maintenance and indigenous sustainment capabilities.
