Air Chief Marshal AP Singh’s comments at the 21st Subroto Mukerjee Seminar underscored the Indian Air Force's (IAF) growing concerns over the slow delivery and production delays of the Tejas fighter jets, which have been under development for decades. These delays are not just a matter of inconvenience; they are perceived as a national security issue, especially as India’s adversaries, notably China, continue to advance their military capabilities at a rapid pace. The first batch of 40 Tejas aircraft, which was ordered in 2009-2010, has yet to be delivered, despite the fact that the Tejas program has been a cornerstone of India’s ambition to become self-reliant in military aviation.
The IAF chief’s frustration is rooted in the contrast between the pace of production of Tejas aircraft and the technological advancements achieved by India’s neighbors. Singh pointed out that the Tejas project, which was conceived in 1984, saw the first successful flight of the aircraft in 2001. However, induction of the aircraft into the Indian Air Force didn’t begin until 2016—15 years later than anticipated. In his speech, he stressed that, nearly two decades after the aircraft first took flight, the IAF has yet to receive the first 40 jets, a delay that highlights significant inefficiencies in the production process.
Singh’s remarks also included a stark warning about the future implications of such delays. He emphasized that “technology delayed is technology denied,” underscoring the strategic importance of maintaining a strong air force capable of countering the growing threats from neighboring countries. China, in particular, has shown impressive advancements in its military, including the recent testing of its sixth-generation stealth combat aircraft. These developments, which took the global defense community by surprise, highlight the growing disparity between India’s defense capabilities and those of its most formidable neighbor.
The delay in the Tejas program is also part of a broader issue within the IAF’s fighter fleet. Currently, the IAF operates only 30 fighter squadrons, well below the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. Each squadron typically consists of 18 aircraft, which leaves a substantial gap in the IAF’s operational readiness and air power capabilities. The current shortage means that the IAF is increasingly relying on aging fleets of fighter jets, which impacts its ability to maintain air superiority in the region.
Singh’s comments call attention to the pressing need for an overhaul of the aircraft production process in India. He specifically pointed to the need for private sector involvement in defense manufacturing to create competition and reduce dependency on government-run defense corporations. Singh believes that bringing in private players will foster innovation and increase production capacity, which is crucial for addressing the current shortage of fighter jets. He called for multiple sources to be involved in production, saying that competition would ensure that manufacturers were held accountable and motivated to deliver high-quality products on time.
This sentiment is echoed by defense experts who have long advocated for increased private sector participation in India’s defense industry. While state-owned companies like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have been central to India’s defense production, there is a growing consensus that relying solely on public sector enterprises is not sufficient to meet the country’s evolving defense needs. By allowing private players to enter the market, India could not only increase its defense production but also develop a more diverse and robust defense ecosystem, capable of responding to technological challenges.
In addition to these concerns, Singh raised alarms over the significant pace of military modernization in China. Not only is China increasing its numbers of military aircraft, but the technological advancements they are making are a serious challenge to India’s defense strategy. The rapid development of China’s sixth-generation fighter jets—aircraft that are designed with stealth, advanced avionics, and superior maneuverability—puts India in a position where it must not only keep pace with numbers but also with cutting-edge technology. The IAF is well aware that air superiority is a critical component of modern warfare, and staying ahead of the curve in terms of technological advancements is essential.
Singh’s mention of India’s fifth-generation fighter jet program also highlights a significant gap in India’s fighter jet development. While China is advancing rapidly with its sixth-generation aircraft, India’s fifth-generation fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is still in the early stages of design and development. The Cabinet’s approval of the AMCA program only came in March 2024, which means that it is several years away from being operational. This delay is concerning, especially as other countries, including China and Russia, are already making strides in the development of their own fifth-generation aircraft.
The broader context of Singh’s comments also touches on the geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly with China. As China continues to modernize its military and invest heavily in new technologies, India must take swift action to address these challenges. Singh's call for faster production of fighter jets and increased technological development is not just about the future of India’s air force—it is about ensuring that India remains competitive in an increasingly complex and dangerous geopolitical environment.
The Indian Air Force’s challenges with Tejas deliveries, production delays, and the urgent need for modernization reflect the larger issues facing India’s defense sector. As the country grapples with these challenges, Singh’s calls for increased private sector involvement and accelerated production must be heard. With rising tensions in the region and the growing sophistication of adversary forces, India must make the modernization of its defense forces a top priority. The IAF’s ability to adapt and evolve will play a crucial role in ensuring India’s security and maintaining its strategic advantage in the coming decades.
