SOURCE: AFI
In a candid assessment of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the current Chief of the Air Staff, has highlighted significant delays in the production of the Tejas Mk1 jet. Speaking at a recent press conference, the Air Chief revealed that since its initial induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2016, fewer than 40 Tejas Mk1 aircraft have been inducted, pinpointing the slow pace of production as a critical bottleneck.
Air Chief Marshal Singh expressed his deep concern over the production rates, emphasizing the urgent need to address these delays to maintain the IAF’s combat readiness. He stated, “The Tejas aircraft has been with us since 2016, but the numbers we’ve seen inducted are not commensurate with our requirements. We need to do something about it.”
His remarks come at a time when the IAF is grappling with a deficiency in its fighter squadrons, currently operating below its authorized strength. The Tejas, intended to be a cornerstone of India’s push towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, has faced numerous production challenges, including issues with supply chains, technology absorption, and manufacturing capacity.
In light of these challenges, Air Chief Marshal Singh has made a compelling case for the involvement of private sector companies in the production of the Tejas aircraft. He argued that the current production setup, primarily involving Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has its limitations in terms of scaling up to meet the IAF’s demands. “I am convinced that private sector companies are required to ramp up the production of the aircraft,” he stated, suggesting a collaborative approach could significantly accelerate the manufacturing process.
The Air Chief’s comments have sparked a discussion on how best to expedite the integration of private sector capabilities into India’s defense manufacturing landscape, particularly for critical projects like the Tejas. As India continues to navigate its path towards greater defense self-reliance, the inclusion of private industry in such key programs could be pivotal.