IAF Chief Advocates Accelerated Defence Self-Reliance with Private Sector Collaboration
Air Chief Marshal (ACM) AP Singh, the Chief of the Air Staff, has advocated for a swift advancement towards self-reliance in the defence sector. He emphasized the importance of partnerships between private and public sectors in reshaping India's defence landscape.
ACM Singh pointed out that India currently imports 60-70% of its defence equipment, describing this reliance as a strategic weakness. He called for an aggressive approach to achieve almost complete indigenisation by the year 2035.
“Technology delayed is technology denied,” he asserted, highlighting the necessity for timely research, development, and production to maintain India's technological superiority and operational preparedness.
Strengthening the Private Sector’s Role
The IAF Chief stressed the significance of private sector involvement in fostering innovation, expediting production, and boosting competitiveness in defence manufacturing. Major companies like Tata, Reliance, Adani, and Mahindra are already involved in producing aircraft components, drones, and missile systems.
Nevertheless, ACM Singh urged more extensive and expedited participation from the private sector, especially in upcoming crucial projects such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and future UAV platforms.
He also noted that Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) could enhance production capacity, create large-scale employment, and develop technical skills among the youth, while simultaneously increasing defence exports.
Revamping R&D and Building Strategic Autonomy
ACM Singh also advocated for an overhaul of the research and development ecosystem, encouraging greater acceptance of risk and failure in innovation to speed up breakthroughs. He stressed the importance of decreasing reliance on foreign allies and focusing on indigenous systems for long-term strategic security.
In light of regional challenges, he pointed out the rapid modernization of China's military and stressed the necessity for India to match technological advancements through homegrown innovation and improved training.
A Vision for Defence by 2047
ACM Singh laid out a long-term vision for comprehensive indigenous development, including aircraft engines, radars, missiles, and weapon systems, as the cornerstone of national strategic autonomy.
His appeal for action aligns with India's target of achieving complete defence self-reliance by 2047, with an aim to establish a globally competitive defence industrial base through robust collaboration between the government, DRDO, HAL, and private enterprises.
