SOURCE: AFI
In a significant stride toward modernizing its operations and bolstering safety, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to deploy an innovative Bluetooth-based tool tracking system at its airbases across the country. Developed by IG Defence and Aerospace, an Indian firm, this cutting-edge solution aligns with the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative, which champions the development and adoption of homegrown defense technologies. The system promises to revolutionize tool management, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of airbase operations, while reducing risks that could jeopardize aircraft safety.
With over 60 airbases under its command, the IAF faces the formidable challenge of tracking thousands of tools and pieces of equipment used in maintenance and operational tasks. Misplaced or lost tools pose a serious hazard, particularly when they become Foreign Object Debris (FOD)—small items like bolts, screws, or wrenches left on runways. FOD can cause catastrophic damage to fighter jets during takeoff or landing, potentially leading to accidents that endanger lives and multimillion-dollar assets. The new Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Tool Tracking System aims to mitigate this risk by providing real-time visibility into the location of every tagged tool, ensuring nothing goes unaccounted for.
IG Defence and Aerospace secured the contract for this system after triumphing in the Ministry of Defence’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Challenge, a flagship program designed to nurture startups and small businesses in the defense sector. The iDEX initiative offers funding of up to ?1.5 crore for standard projects and ?10 crore for larger ones, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of indigenous innovation. IG’s success in this competitive arena underscores the potential of Indian companies to deliver world-class solutions tailored to the armed forces’ unique needs.
The rollout of the BLE Tool Tracking System will commence with a pilot phase at the Gwalior Airbase, a key IAF facility in Madhya Pradesh. This testing ground will evaluate the system’s performance in a live operational environment, with plans to expand its deployment to other IAF and Indian Army airbases if the trial proves successful. The system’s standout feature is its ability to drastically reduce FOD incidents, a persistent safety concern for aviation units worldwide. By leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy technology, it provides precise, real-time tracking and sends automatic alerts if tools are misplaced or left in hazardous areas like runways or hangars, enabling swift corrective action.
Beyond safety, the system offers practical advantages that enhance operational efficiency. Its long battery life—requiring a recharge only every 6-8 months—minimizes maintenance demands, allowing airbase personnel to focus on core duties rather than frequent upkeep. The low-energy design also ensures cost-effectiveness, a crucial factor as the IAF scales the technology across its extensive network of bases.
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