Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, expressed significant concerns regarding the protracted delays in the delivery of Tejas fighter jets by the state-run aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Speaking at the 21st Subroto Mukerjee Seminar, on Tuesday, he emphasized the critical importance of adhering to timelines in defence production. He said, “Technology delayed is technology denied.”
The Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) programme has faced numerous delays since its inception. Conceived in 1984, the first Tejas aircraft took flight in 2001, marking a 17-year development period. However, it wasn't until 2016 that the IAF began inducting these indigenous fighters. Highlighting the sluggish production rate, ACM Singh remarked, “Today, we are in 2024, and I do not have the first 40 aircraft also. This is the production capability. We need to do something.”
The IAF had initially signed a contract for 40 LCA Mk-1 jets in 2016. As of late 2024, only 38 had been delivered, underscoring the delays in the program. These setbacks are particularly concerning given the IAF’s current fleet strength. Against a sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons, the IAF operates only 31, with projections indicating a potential drop below 30 if new inductions do not proceed as planned.
ACM Singh also drew attention to the rapid advancements made by neighbouring countries, particularly China. He noted that China is not only expanding its air force numerically but also making significant technological strides. Referring to China’s unveiling of its new stealth aircraft on December 26, he stated, “China is investing heavily in its air force; the recent unveiling of its new stealth aircraft is a case in point.”
To address these challenges, the IAF chief advocated for the involvement of private industry in defence production. He emphasized the need for competition and multiple production sources to enhance efficiency and accountability. “We need to get some private players in. We need to have competition. We need to have multiple sources available so that people are wary of losing their orders. Otherwise, things will not change,” he asserted.
Furthermore, ACM Singh underscored the importance of timely research and development (R&D) in maintaining technological superiority. He cautioned that delays in R&D could render new technologies obsolete upon arrival. “R&D loses its relevance if it is not able to meet timelines. Technology delayed is technology denied,” he warned.
This is not the first time the Air chief has raised the issue, as India Sentinels had reported. It may be noted that in his annual news conference before the Indian Air Force Day in 2024, he had flagged the delay in the delivery of Teja fighters. Earlier in July, as the vice-chief of the IAF, he had said India’s push for “atmanirbharta” (self-reliance) in the defence sector must not compromise national security.
