DGAQA was established in 1954 under the name of DTD&P (Air), encompassing R&D activities besides the inspection and indigenisation of military aeronautical stores.  Subsequently, the R&D functions were transferred to DRDO and in 1996, the organization was upgraded and renamed as DGAQA. Its role and functions are detailed below:-

1. Quality Assurance during design development, production. Overhaul and repair of military aircraft/aero-engines and its accessories, air armaments, rockets, missile systems and ground support equipment for military aircraft.

2. Technical association with DRDO and other agencies during the process of type approval, lifting and life extension studies of aircraft and its accessories.

3. Establishment of indigenous sources for production of aeronautical stores through the Technical Committee (Aeronautical Stores). Director General, Aeronautical Quality Assurance is the Chairman of the Technical Committee.

4. Association with accident/ defect investigation of military aircraft/ aeronautical stores for establishing the causes thereof and to suggest remedial measures to improve flight safety.

5. Apart from the above, officers from this Directorate participate in various technical committees constituted by Army/Navy/Air Force to study the technical problems faced by the operating units.

6. Participation in standardization activities related to preparation of Joint Services/National specification and codification.

7. Nodal Agency for Missile Systems Quality Assurance Agency (MSQAA) for IGMDP.

DGAQA functions, as listed above, are organized under the following specialization areas:

	Aircraft/Airframe
	Power Plant (including Fuels. Oils & Lubricants)
	Avionics
	Electricals and Instruments
	Armament
	General Engineering & Aero Med
	Indigenisation thro' Technical Committee (Aeronautical Store)