Air Chief Flags Delays in Tejas Fighter Delivery, Calls for Enhanced R&D and Private Sector Involvement

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 8th Jan. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of Air Staff, has raised concerns over delays in the delivery of the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and emphasized the need for increased private sector involvement and greater funding for Research and Development (R&D) in the defence sector.

Speaking at the 21st Subroto Mukherjee Seminar on “Atmanirbharta in Aerospace: Way Ahead”, the Air Chief highlighted challenges in adhering to timelines, particularly in the Tejas programme. The delays, he noted, have hindered the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) operational capabilities.

Tejas Programme: A Timeline of Delays
The Tejas LCA project, envisioned in the 1980s to replace ageing MiG-21 aircraft, has seen significant delays. While the aircraft’s first test flight took place in 2001, its induction began only in 2016. Yet, the IAF has not received the initial batch of 40 Tejas fighters as of 2024.

“The production capability needs urgent improvement,” said Air Chief Marshal Singh. “Competition and multiple sources are vital to ensure timely deliveries and avoid complacency.”

Private Sector and R&D: A Way Forward
Stressing the importance of innovation, the Air Chief called for increased funding for R&D, which currently stands at just 5% of the defence budget. He advocated raising it to 15%, with provisions for private sector participation.

“Failures are part of the process. We need to encourage innovation and not be deterred by setbacks,” he added.

Geopolitical Concerns and Modernization Needs
With adversaries like China rapidly advancing their military capabilities, including the development of stealth fighters, the Air Chief underscored the urgency of modernizing India’s defence arsenal.

China has already fielded two stealth fighter jets, the J-20 and J-35, and is testing a sixth-generation fighter. This, coupled with the ageing fleet of MiG-21s and other legacy aircraft, has left the IAF with only 31 active fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.

Future Prospects
The government has initiated reforms to enhance defence manufacturing and streamline procurement. The IAF has ordered 83 Tejas Mk1A fighters in a ₹36,468 crore deal and plans to induct 97 more. However, delivery timelines remain a concern, with HAL committing to only two to three aircraft by the 2024-25 fiscal year, far below the target of 16.

Recommendations and Way Ahead
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has recommended counter-purchasing fifth-generation fighter jets if indigenous programmes face further delays. It also stressed the need for timely induction of Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) and advanced support systems like early warning and surveillance aircraft.

With 2025 declared as the “Year of Reforms” by the Ministry of Defence, the focus remains on jointness, integration, and positioning India as a global defence exporter.