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Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has once again raised concerns over the repeated delays in the delivery of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. He has stressed that timelines must be realistic and deliverables respected if India is to meet its national defence goals.
Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Business Summit, the IAF Chief offered a candid assessment of the country’s indigenous fighter aircraft programs, without directly naming Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas jets.
“Timeline is a big issue. So, once a timeline is given, not a single project that I can think of has been completed on time,” he remarked. “Why should we promise something which cannot be achieved? While signing the contract itself, sometimes we are sure that it is not going to come up, but we just sign the contract.”
This is the second time this year the Air Chief has voiced strong dissatisfaction over the status of the Tejas Mk1A. During Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru earlier this year, Singh was caught on camera expressing frustration after a promised batch of aircraft had not materialized. “I was promised that when I come here in February, 11 Tejas Mk1As would be ready. And not a single one is ready,” he had said at the time.
About Mk1A
It has been reported previously that the Mk1A variant is intended to significantly upgrade the IAF’s capabilities, featuring improved avionics, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, better electronic warfare systems, and integration with advanced indigenous weaponry like the Astra and Python missiles. However, delays in delivery risk derailing the IAF’s efforts to replenish its shrinking fighter strength, currently down to 31 squadrons against the sanctioned 42.
AMCA Gets Private Sector Boost
Amid concerns over timelines, the IAF Chief also talked about a more promising development—the green light for private sector participation in the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s next-generation stealth fighter program.
“AMCA has been cleared for even participation by private industry, which is a very big step,” Singh noted. “That is the kind of confidence the nation has in private industry today, and I’m sure this is going to pave the way to bigger things coming in the future.”
The move is seen as a strategic shift aimed at accelerating timelines and injecting innovation and efficiency into India’s defence production ecosystem.
A Changing Battlefield
In a broader reflection on the evolving nature of warfare, Singh underlined that India must be prepared to adapt rapidly to technological disruptions.
“The character of war is changing. Every day, we are finding new technologies coming in,” he said, referring to lessons drawn from ‘Operation Sindoor’.
He added that there is a pressing need for institutional realignment and modernization across the defence establishment. “A lot of work needs to be done in realigning our own thought processes, which is already going on,” Singh said, expressing confidence in the IAF’s ability to deliver on its national objectives.
Looking Ahead
As the IAF continues to modernize under growing operational demands, the timely induction of platforms like the Tejas Mk1A and AMCA will be crucial.
