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Indian Air Force 3D Prints Rubber Spares to Cut Dependence on Russian Supply Chain
Shared with SuperPrinters · 8/24/2026 · Source: screenprintindia.com
The Indian Air Force is now using 3D printing at a Base Repair Depot to produce rubber replacement parts for its Russian-origin aircraft fleet, slashing procurement lead times from months to days. Components such as seals, gaskets, ducts and brackets are being printed from flexible TPU and soft photopolymer resins using digital design files, eliminating the need for dedicated moulds. Each part undergoes rigorous testing for flexibility, sealing performance and durability before being cleared for use, with the programme gradually progressing from non-critical to critical components.
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