Indian Air Force Selects MANTRA Surat to Test Digital Uniform Fabric

SURAT : Surat has earned a major national recognition after the Indian Air Force (IAF) selected the city-based Man-Made Textiles Research Association (MANTRA) for the scientific testing of fabric used in digital pattern jackets and trousers. The invitation marks a significant step towards positioning Surat as a key player in India’s growing DefenceTech and technical textiles sector.

The Indian Air Force has officially invited MANTRA to submit its budgetary quotation and laboratory testing details for evaluating the uniform fabric. The tests will assess the material against national and international quality standards.

According to the IAF communication, MANTRA will examine critical parameters such as fabric blend composition, yarn count, GSM, tensile strength, pilling resistance, fuzziness rating, drape coefficient, dimensional stability, pH value, water-soluble matter, crease recovery angle, LCH and Delta-E colour values, air permeability, dye type and anti-bacterial activity. Several of these tests will be carried out under NABL accreditation.

“This invitation is a recognition of MANTRA’s advanced laboratory capabilities as well as Surat’s scientific and technical strength in the national defence sector,” said MANTRA Director Dr. Pankaj Gandhi.

He said the assignment lays a strong foundation for developing South Gujarat as a DefenceTech hub. “The Government of India is promoting technical textiles for defence applications. Surat already has a strong ecosystem in man-made fibres and technical textiles, giving it the potential to emerge as a national centre for defence textiles,” Gandhi said.

He added that the opportunity goes beyond a laboratory evaluation. “This project will create new opportunities for research, testing and manufacturing of defence textiles, protective clothing, combat uniforms, ballistic fabrics and other high-performance technical textiles,” Gandhi said.

The selection is being seen as a milestone for Surat’s textile industry and a significant boost to the city’s ambitions of becoming India’s next DefenceTech hub.