A BOLDER APPROACH TOWARDS BUILDING CAPABILITY INDIGENOUSLY - AIR CHIEF MARSHAL A.P. SINGH

The annual press day by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh was a testament to the Indian Air Force's strategic vision for modernisation and self-reliance

- MANISH KUMAR JHA

ON THE OCCASION OF THE INDIAN AIR FORCE'S ANNUAL PRESS day, the new Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh addressed the media, highlighting pivotal advancements in the IAF’s capabilities, particularly regarding the Tejas fighter aircraft and improvements in anti-defence systems.

In his address, the Air Chief announced that the IAF is looking at having the entire inventory produced in India by 2047. “It is important to have indigenous weapons systems to deal with any future security challenges,” he said. “You cannot afford to have them being bought and rely on that supply chain. We must have these things being produced in India. We can’t be stocking up everything forever. These things will have life. If we keep stocking up, we’ll have wastage.” Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said.

ADVANCEMENTS IN FIGHTER AIRCRAFT (LCA TEJAS & AMCA)

One of the major focal points of Singh’s address was the ongoing development of the Tejas fighter jet. The IAF has made significant strides in integrating advanced technologies into the Tejas, enhancing its operational efficiency and combat readiness. Singh noted that these advancements not only improve the aircraft’s performance but also ensure that it meets contemporary warfare requirements.

However, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh also flagged the delayed delivery of the LCA Tejas combat jets. “Unless you have private industry coming in and chipping in, I don’t think we can continue relying only on one agency. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will also have its limitations when it comes to what it can do in a (certain) timeframe,” Chief suggested during the interaction.