The Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed a contract with IG Defence and Aerospace, the winners of the Ministry of Defence’s Idex Challenge for this innovative technology, and will implement an advanced Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Tool Tracking System as part of a major effort to modernize airbase operations under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
This cutting-edge solution streamlines maintenance procedures and guarantees accurate inventory tracking while improving the effectiveness and security of tool management across airbases.
Significantly, the Indian Air Force runs more than 60 airbases throughout the nation, demonstrating the scope and necessity of this cutting-edge, domestically produced technology in guaranteeing the security of airbases and pricey fighter aircraft, which are vital to the nation’s overall security and independence.
The launch of this cutting-edge tracking system follows IG Aerospace and Defence’s recent victory in the coveted iDEX Challenge, which represents a significant turning point in India’s quest for defense technology independence. Through Defence India Startup Challenges (DISC), the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX program offers startups and MSMEs “Support for Prototype and Research Kickstart” (SPARK) funds, which can total up to ?1.5 crores (or ?10 crores under iDEX Prime) for creative defense initiatives.
This cutting-edge solution will be tested at Gwalior Airbase before being extended to other IAF and Army airbases as part of India’s larger quest for self-reliance in defense technology.
This system’s ability to reduce Foreign Object Debris (FOD) damage—a significant safety problem at airbases—is one of its main advantages. On runways, unnoticed tools, bolts, and other maintenance equipment can result in accidents including tire bursts and structural damage during takeoff or landing.
Runway safety is greatly improved by the BLE technology, which makes real-time tracking and automated alerts possible. The method also provides a longer charge cycle of six to eight months, which lowers maintenance requirements and guarantees continuous operation.
In military aviation, where lost equipment and ineffective maintenance can affect mission readiness, real-time, automated tool tracking is essential. Manual tool tracking and runway clearance, which depend on logbooks and human labor, typically take two to three hours.
By combining AI-driven inventory management with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology, the BLE-based Tool Tracking System transforms this procedure, cutting down on operational downtime and precisely guaranteeing tool accountability in addition to being incredibly economical.
The IAF intends to extend the BLE Tool Tracking System to additional airbases after the pilot project at Gwalior is successfully completed, guaranteeing a more safe and effective operating environment. Such state-of-the-art technologies will be essential to improving airbase security and mission readiness as the IAF expands and modernizes.
Leadership Comments
Speaking on this achievement, Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder of IG Aerospace and Defence, said: “Winning the iDEX Challenge and deploying our BLE Tool Tracking System for the Indian Air Force is a proud moment for us. This technology not only enhances operational safety but also streamlines maintenance efficiency, reinforcing India’s position as a leader in indigenous defence solutions. We are committed to scaling this innovation across multiple airbases to strengthen India’s defence infrastructure as well as IAF’s operational readiness.”
