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The Wire
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Wire
‘Not a Single Project Completed on Time': Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on IAF's Delivery Delay Woes
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Security 'Not a Single Project Completed on Time': Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on IAF's Delivery Delay Woes The Wire Staff 8 minutes ago 'While signing the contract itself, sometimes we are sure that it is not going to come up (in time), but we just sign the contract, thinking we will see what to do.' IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh addresses the CII Annual General Meeting & Business Summit 2025, in New Delhi, Thursday, May 29, 2025. Photo: PTI Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now New Delhi: India's Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh expressed concerns on delivery delays, noting how the Air Force signs contracts knowing full well that there will be such a delay. 'Why should we promise something, which can't be achieved? While signing the contract itself, sometimes we are sure that it is not going to come up (in time), but we just sign the contract, thinking we will see what to do. Obviously, the process gets vitiated,' the Indian Air Force chief was quoted by Deccan Herald as having said. The air chief marshal was quoted having said this at the Confederation of Indian Industry annual business summit in New Delhi. The report notes that even though Air Chief Marshal Singh didn't identify the project he was talking about, the reference is possibly to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's inability to deliver a combat-ready Tejas light combat aircraft on time. The defence ministry had signed the contract for 73 fighters and 10 trainers at Rs 45,696 crore. Delivery was supposed to be in March 2024. Earlier this week the Ministry of Defence announced that it would fast-track development of its indigenous fifth-generation fighter via the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. Air Chief Marshal Singh stated that AMCA project was a 'big step' and reflected confidence. But as Rahul Bedi noted in his latest analysis for The Wire, this is not its first brush with such lofty ambitions. Earlier, Bedi had noted how, following Operation Sindoor, which exclusively involved the Air Force's combat platforms in executing precision strikes across Pakistan, the clamour for the Indian Air Force to fast-track its long-pending requirement for 114 Multi-Role Fighters Aircraft (MRFA), initiated nearly a decade ago, is expected to gather momentum. 'Timeline is a big issue. Not a single project that I can think of was completed on time. This is something, which we have to look at,' Air Chief Marshal Singh was quoted as having said. The Hindu has noted additionally that he called upon stakeholders to ensure that they did their best on their part as links in the bigger chain at the national level to plug any shortcomings. 'Building trust is not required with the armed forces, but retaining that trust depends on a lot of actions… we have to keep reinforcing that trust,' he said. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Unexpected Fallout of Op Sindoor Has Been Tilt in Pakistan's Military Balance Toward Its Air Force Political Rent-seeking of Armed Forces is Detrimental to Democracy For Arms Dealers, Operation Sindoor Was Not a Crisis Conflict But a Business Opportunity Army Blames News Reports, Contradicts Corps Commander's Claim of Air Defence Guns at Golden Temple Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir Elevated to Field Marshal Rank Asim Munir's Elevation to Field Marshal Likely to Disturb Military Norms, Succession Dynamics 'Losses Are Part of Combat', IAF Says But Declines to Share Details of What Platforms India Lost Second Speech in 24 Hours, Modi Invokes Religious Figures But No Mention of Trump Mediation Claims 'Projectiles Appear To Be Coming in Waves': Jammu Plunged in Darkness, Loud Explosions Heard View in Desktop Mode About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Air Chief Marshal expresses concern over delays in delivery of defence projects
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), on Thursday (May 29, 2025) expressed concern over delays in the delivery of defence projects. He urged private industry to rise to the occasion, develop world-class products, and contribute alongside other stakeholders to 'making India a great nation'. 'Timeline is a big issue... not a single project that I can think of has been completed on time. This is something we have to look at. Why should we promise something which cannot be achieved? While signing the contract itself, sometimes we are sure that it is not going to come up, but we just sign the contract,' said the Air Chief at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Business Summit 2025. Stating that it was a great opportunity for Indian private industry with the opening up of the defence sector, he said firms should rise to the occasion and join hands to make world-class military equipment, even if the profit is not up to their expectation. He called upon stakeholders to ensure that they did their best on their part as links in the bigger chain at the national level to plug any shortcomings. 'Building trust is not required with the armed forces, but retaining that trust depends on a lot of actions... we have to keep reinforcing that trust,' he said. Regarding the 'professionally executed' Operation Sindoor, the Air Chief described it as a national victory. He said that with the changing character of war and the introduction of new technologies, there was a need to realign the approach, which was already being done. 'I am sure, since we have been able to come up to the challenge till now, in future also we will be able to deliver the goods as a nation,' he said. Air Chief Marshal Singh stated that the government's decision to involve private industry in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project was a 'big step,' which showed the kind of confidence the nation had in the private sector. According to him, Operation Sindoor showed the importance of having effective air power. 'As far as air power is concerned, we need to make sure that we have the capability plus the capacity. We cannot just talk about producing in India; we need to start designing and developing in India also. When it comes to producing in numbers, the capacity aspect comes in. We need to have this trust between the forces and the industry continued, we need to have communication continued, we need to be open... and forthright with each other, so that this relationship does not break down anywhere,' said the Air Chief. He noted that there were times in the past when doubts were raised about Indian industry, but over the last decade, this has changed substantially. 'The current situation in the world has made us realise that self-reliance is the only solution, but we have to be now-ready to be future-ready, that is the concern... what is required today is required today, so we need to quickly get our acts together, maybe get into some quick 'Make In India' programmes, so that we can achieve that now-ready part of it,' he said. Suggesting a possible mechanism for private players to increase their involvement in research and development (R&D) in the defence sector, he said initiatives also need to be taken to retain bright talent. Other participants of the ICC Business Summit had a more positive outlook on the state of Indian defence industry. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, said that India was realising its rich maritime potential, with apex-level decisions and policies reflecting this broader approach. Addressing larger strategic goals, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted the government's ongoing reforms aimed at improving the defence manufacturing ecosystem. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat emphasised the role of private industry in driving indigenous research and development. 'Operation Sindoor demonstrated the vital role of technology in future warfare. While manufacturing remains important, the focus must also be on designing and developing our own systems. We invite private industries to invest in R&D. DRDO will partner and collaborate closely to make India a global leader in defence innovation,' he said.
Hans India
29-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
We need to be future-ready, Atmanirbharata is the only way: IAF chief A.P. Singh
New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, on Thursday, stressed the growing role of technology in modern warfare and emphasised why the nation should be future-ready, reducing dependence on any foreign nation for its own stockpile of arms and ammunition. "The current situation in the world has made us realise that Atmanirbharata is the only way, and we need to be future-ready," the IAF chief said while addressing the CII Annual Business Summit 2025 here. Spotlighting technological advances in modern warfare, ACM Singh said that the Operation Sindoor was a clear indicator of future direction and requirements and urged the industry to prioritise the IAF's requirements with time-bound delivery. "In the next 10 years, the Air Force will require more input from industry, but we also need to act today and get into quick Make in India programmes so that we can achieve the 'Now Ready' part of it, while 'Design in India' continues to progress in the near future," he said. On India's quest for its own fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, he welcomed the execution clearance for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Opening the AMCA for private companies marks a significant milestone and demonstrates the government's confidence in the private sector, paving the way for greater industry involvement in defence projects, the IAF chief said. Navy chief, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, who also attended and addressed the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, shared his insights on the need to strengthen India's defence manufacturing ecosystem in alignment with the government's vision of strategic autonomy and Atmanirbharta. "India is, was, and will always be a maritime nation - not just by design or geography, but also by destiny in terms of our future growth. Today, India is realising its rich maritime potential, with apex-level decisions and policies reflecting this broader maritime renaissance," Admiral Tripathi said.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
IAF Chief emphasises Air Force's commitment to self-reliance
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, on Friday, emphasised the Indian Air Force's (IAF) commitment to self-reliance and underscored the indigenisation efforts through development projects such as Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and LCA MK-II. The IAF Chief made these remarks at the ceremonial valedictory function of the 47th Flight Test Course of the IAF Test Pilot School at Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in Bengaluru. In his address, Air Chief Marshal Singh highlighted the vital role of test flying as a specialist domain, requiring highest standards of professional competence, integrity and dedication to service. He also called upon the graduating officers to uphold the core values of precision and excellence. He awarded the graduating officers with certificates, along with trophies to the meritorious officers, recognising their exceptional performance during this demanding and specialised course. The Flight Test Course is known for its rigorous training for a duration of 48 weeks and is a cornerstone towards building the nation's flight testing capability for cutting-edge aerial platforms and systems. The Suranjan Das Trophy, for the best all-round student test pilot, was awarded to Squadron Leader S Bhardwaj, while the Chief of the Air Staff Trophy, for the best student test pilot in flight evaluation, was awarded to Squadron Leader Ajay Tripathi. The Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword, for best all round student flight test engineer, was awarded to Squadron Leader Subhrajyoti Paul. The Dunlop Trophy, for best student test engineer in flight evaluation, was awarded to Wing Commander Ashwini Singh and the Kapil Bhargava Trophy, for the best student in ground subjects, was awarded to Major Kaustubh Kunte.
The Hindu
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
IAF to hold two-day wargame along frontier with Pakistan: NOTAM issued
The Indian Air Force will carry out a two-day mega military exercise along the border with Pakistan from Wednesday (May 7, 2025) that will involve all the frontline fighter jets including Rafale, Su-30 and Jaguar aircraft, sources in the defence establishment said on Tuesday (May 6, 2025). The exercise is taking place amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. India's civil aviation authorities have already issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for the major air exercise that will largely take place along the southern and western section of the Indo-Pakistan border. India's frontline fighter jets including the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft are set to feature in the exercise, the sources said. In the course of the exercise, the IAF will simulate enemy targets on ground and in the air with deadly precision, they said. The militaries of both India and Pakistan are on a high alert following rising tensions between the two nations. Soon after the Pahalgam terror attack, India, citing "cross-border linkages" to the strike, promised severe punishment to those involved in it. In a high-level meeting with the top defence brass on April 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the armed forces have "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India's response to the terror attack. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh met Prime Minister Modi on Sunday (May 4, 2025) and the Chief of Air Staff briefed him about the IAF's operational readiness. On Saturday (May 3, 2025), Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi apprised the prime minister on the overall situation in the critical sea lanes in the Arabian Sea.
