Chief Marshal AP Singh of Indian Air Force has raised concerns about the time period taken to get important defence equipment and aircraft. He stated that many key projects are facing delays and not being completed on time. He explained why this is a big problem and changes are needed to improve the situation, during a business summit.

AP Singh Urges Reform in Defence Contracts

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh has recently highlighted a major concern about the repeated delays in getting important military equipment and platforms. 

He said that almost every project he could think of had missed its deadline at the CII Annual Business Summit on Thursday.

“Why do we commit to deadlines that we already know we can’t meet?” He questioned and also laid stress on the fact that timelines are a serious issue.

He also pointed out that in many cases, contracts are signed even when it’s clear the delivery won’t happen on time. “We sign the contracts thinking we’ll figure it out later, but that only messes up the whole process,” he added further.

AP Singh was actually referring to the delay in the delivery of 83 Tejas Mk 1A fighter jets by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as this deal was signed in 2021. 

Expected to start arriving by September this year, the Air Force has also ordered 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft from HAL.

Chief emphasized on the need for India to not only manufacture in the country but also design and develop its own military technology. He called on for better communication and trust between the armed forces and the defence industry.

Singh noted that earlier, the Indian Air Force depended more on foreign suppliers, but now they have realized that self-reliance, or Atma Nirbhar Bharta, is the only way forward.

Singh emphasized, “We have to be ready for the future,” adding that while progress from Indian industry and DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) may take time, the Air Force needs solutions now.

Chief also suggested that India should run some quick Make in India projects to meet immediate needs, while longer-term goals like Design in India can focus on the future.