New Delhi: Speaking at the 21st Subroto Mukherjee Seminar in New Delhi on January 7, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh expressed concerns regarding the escalating militarisation by neighbouring countries China and Pakistan and India’s ability to keep pace with the evolving threat landscape. “The world today is in a precarious position dominated by conflicts and contests. We have our own security concerns on the western and northern borders with increased militarisation by China and Pakistan,” he said.
Underscoring India’s security challenges along its western and northern borders due to increased military activities by its neighbours, his comments come in light of China’s military advancements as it recent unveiled two sixth-generation stealth fighter jets.
Highlighting China’s substantial investments in its air force, the IAF Chief remarked, “As far as China is concerned, it is not just the numbers; even the technology is growing at a very rapid pace.” He also expressed alarm over delays in India’s indigenous fighter jet programs, particularly the Tejas Mark-1A project, due to supply issues with GE-F404 turbofan jet engines from the United States.
Lagging far behind in contrast to China’s advancements, India is still in the early stages of developing its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with the first prototype not expected to take flight for another four to five years. China’s deployment of Chengdu J-20 jets near Indian borders in Hotan and Shigatse. and the recent test flights of new stealth fighters underscores it’s growing prowess.
Currently, the IAF operates 30 fighter squadrons, well below the authorised strength required to counter threats from China and Pakistan. The Air Force plans to induct 180 Tejas Mark-1A and 108 Tejas Mark-2 fighters before transitioning to the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) which is expected to be inducted post-2035.
Voicing frustration over the slow pace of indigenous development, IAF Chief emphasised that “R&D loses its relevance in case it is not able to meet timelines. Technology delayed is technology denied”. Reaffirming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India), Singh assured IAF’s commitment to fostering self-reliance in defence capabilities. He outlined several initiatives aimed at indigenisation, including the successful collaboration with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to produce nearly 50,000 components for the Air Force’s Base Repair Depots.
Additionally, the Air Chief noted the establishment of a Directorate of Aerospace Design to work with private industries on innovative technologies, alongside various schemes like Mehar Baba-I and iDEX to promote defence innovation.
“Aatmanirbharta will come at a cost and we should accept it. We may have to spend more and buy at a higher rate if required. Amortising of the R&D part and limited numbers will push the cost up but will give the much-needed self-reliance,” acknowledging the financial implications of self-reliance, IAF Chief noted that it is essential for India’s strategic independence.
“There has to be an increased aptitude for acceptance of risks involved and failures in R&D,” he stated. Urging the policy makers for a greater acceptance of risks and potential failures in defence research and development, Air Chief A P Singh further warned that India risks falling behind if delays in indigenous programs persist. His remarks underscore the urgent need for India to expedite its defence indigenisation efforts and effectively address delays in indigenous projects.
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