SOURCE: PTI
On Tuesday, the newly appointed Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, expressed his intent to prioritize the indigenous fighter aircraft programs. In his first media interaction after assuming his new role, he emphasized the importance of advancing the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, LCA Mark-2, and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programs to strengthen India’s defense capabilities.
Air Chief Marshal Singh highlighted that the IAF has already committed to over 200 LCA Tejas jets, noting that while the LCA is a smaller aircraft, it has a defined role within the Air Force’s operational framework. However, he stressed the need to move forward and shift the focus towards the more advanced LCA Mark-2 and the fifth-generation AMCA programs, which are critical for meeting the future combat needs of the IAF.
“I have been closely associated with the Tejas program since its flight testing phase, and it remains close to my heart,” he said. Singh pointed out that the LCA Tejas, despite being a compact fighter, has proven its utility, but the IAF’s modernization requires the development of larger, more versatile platforms like the LCA Mark-2 and the AMCA. He further mentioned that the force’s focus now needs to be on ensuring the successful progression of these indigenous programs.
The Air Chief’s commitment to indigenous programs was further demonstrated during Exercise Tarang Shakti, where Air Chief Marshal Singh made history by “intercepting” the German Air Force chief while flying the LCA Tejas over the skies of Jodhpur. He also flew alongside the Vice Chiefs of the Indian Navy and Army, showcasing the growing cooperation between the three branches of the armed forces and their collective push for indigenization.
Reflecting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, Air Chief Marshal Singh articulated his commitment to strengthening the nation’s self-reliance in defense production. “This year’s motto is ‘Sashakta Sudridh and Aatmanirbhar’ (Empowered, Resilient, and Self-Reliant),” he stated. “We have the capacity and capability within the country to achieve this. Everybody has to come together to make it a success. We are relying heavily on these two platforms,” referring to the LCA Mark-2 and AMCA programs.
When asked about his focus areas as the new IAF Chief, Singh emphasized that his leadership would steer the Air Force towards greater self-reliance, improved operational capabilities, and better training. “These will be my focus areas, and as time progresses, we will realign to adapt to the evolving situation,” he added, emphasizing the dynamic nature of defense strategy.