Highlighting China’s rapid military modernization and the unveiling of its sixth-generation stealth fighter jets, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Tuesday called for greater self-reliance in defence research and development (R&D) and increased private sector participation in India’s aerospace industry.
Speaking at the annual Subroto Mukherjee Seminar on Tuesday, the Air Chief lamented the sluggish pace of India’s indigenous defence production. Referring to the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), he said, “We started inducting the Tejas in 2016, but its journey began in 1984. The first aircraft flew in 2001, and it took another 15 years to start induction. Now, in 2024, IAF is yet to have the first 40 aircraft. It reflects our current production capability.”
To accelerate production and foster competition, Air Chief Marshal Singh emphasized the need for private players. “We need to bring private industry into the fold. Competition is essential to ensure multiple production sources and to make vendors wary of losing future orders. Without competition, the status quo will remain,” he said.
India’s defence production continues to face challenges, including delays in supplying critical components such as the GE-F404 jet engines for the Tejas Mark-1A, sourced from U.S.-based General Electric. The IAF, currently operating with just 30 fighter squadrons against an authorized strength of 42, plans to induct 180 Tejas Mark-1A and 108 Mark-2 aircraft before transitioning to the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) by 2035.
The Air Chief also criticized the lack of funding for R&D, stressing the need for increased investment. “R&D loses its relevance if it cannot meet timelines. Delays render technology obsolete. Currently, R&D funding accounts for just 5% of the defence budget—it should be at least 15%. We must also ensure private players have access to these funds,” he said.
Singh acknowledged that achieving self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative would come at a cost. “We may have to spend more and procure at higher rates initially, but this investment is essential for building domestic capabilities,” he noted.
Expressing concerns over the growing militarization along India’s borders, the Air Chief said, “China and Pakistan are rapidly building their military forces. With China, it’s not just about numbers—its technological advancements are progressing at an unprecedented pace. It is a significant security concern for India.”
The IAF Chief concluded by emphasizing the urgency of addressing these challenges, stating, “Time is of the essence in defence production and R&D. We must embrace failures and provide researchers the freedom to innovate without fear while ensuring adequate resources and infrastructure are in place.”
Team BharatShakti
