The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently announced the delivery of the first indigenously designed and developed Crash Fire Tender (CFT). Manufactured by a Noida-based Indian MSME firm under a contract worth Rs 291 crore, the delivery was made within 14 months of contract signing.
Despite disruptions in the global supply chain, the Indian manufacturer ensured timely delivery, showcasing its capability and commitment to meeting the IAF’s requirements. The IAF emphasized its support for Indian Defence Manufacturing and Production entities, reaffirming its commitment to promoting indigenous production.
The IAF’s focus on indigenization aligns with the government’s Make in India initiative, with significant steps taken to promote indigenous defence manufacturing. The procurement of made-in-India items by the IAF reflects its dedication to supporting domestic production and reducing dependency on imports.
In addition to the Crash Fire Tender, the IAF has placed orders for indigenous fighter aircraft like the Tejas and is collaborating with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the development of fifth-generation advanced medium combat aircraft to meet future requirements.
Recently, on March 28, the first Aircraft LA5033 of the Tejas Mk1A Aircraft series completed its maiden flight from the HAL facility in Bengaluru, marking another milestone in India’s indigenous defence capabilities.