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The Indian Air Force is grappling with significant delays in the delivery of its indigenous Tejas fighter jets, a concern highlighted by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. This delay, spanning decades from initial conception to current production shortfalls, underscores a critical weakness in India's defense preparedness, particularly in light of China's rapid advancements in military technology. The Air Chief's statement, emphasizing the unacceptable lag between the project's inception in 1984 and the still-incomplete delivery of the initial 40 Tejas aircraft ordered in 2024, starkly reveals the systemic issues plaguing India's defense manufacturing capabilities. The long lead times, insufficient production capacity, and a lack of competition within the defense industry are all implicated in this critical shortfall. The Air Chief's call for increased private sector involvement and a significant boost to R&D funding is a direct response to this crisis, recognizing that the current pace of production is simply inadequate to meet the nation's defense needs.
The problem extends beyond just the Tejas. The Indian Air Force is facing a broader decline in squadron strength, currently operating only 31 out of a sanctioned 42. This shortage, exacerbated by the phasing out of aging MiG-21s, creates a critical vulnerability. The demand for at least 180 new fighter jets, as noted in the 'Demand for Grants 2024-2025' report, highlights the immense scale of the challenge. The delays are not confined to the Tejas program alone. The acquisition of the essential GE F404 engines, crucial for powering the Tejas MK1A variant, has been plagued by delays, prompting penalties against the supplier, General Electric. The repercussions of these delays are far-reaching, jeopardizing the timely induction of new squadrons and leaving the nation vulnerable to potential threats.
The urgency of the situation is compounded by China's ongoing advancements in military technology. China's recent trials of its purported 6th-generation stealth fighter jet underscore the technological gap that India needs to bridge quickly. While the Tejas is a commendable achievement in indigenous defense manufacturing, representing a significant step towards self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), its production issues highlight the urgent need for systemic reform. This includes streamlining acquisition procedures, fostering greater collaboration between public and private sectors, and substantially increasing investment in R&D. The current allocation of just 5% of the defense budget to R&D, compared to the desired 15%, is inadequate to support the ambitious goals of modernizing India's defense capabilities and competing with the rapid technological strides of its adversaries.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has rightfully highlighted the seriousness of these delays. Their recommendations, including exploring counter-purchase options for fifth-generation fighter jets if indigenous production timelines cannot be met, underscore the government's need to take decisive action. The lack of sufficient capital funding for the IAF further exacerbates the problem. The 'Year of Reforms' declared by the Ministry of Defence in 2025 presents a crucial opportunity to implement structural changes within the defense sector. This must involve not only increasing R&D funding and fostering private sector participation but also streamlining acquisition processes to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate the deployment of essential defense systems. The challenge lies in addressing these issues swiftly and decisively, ensuring that India can effectively safeguard its national security interests in an increasingly complex and challenging geopolitical environment.
The concerns extend beyond mere technological advancements. The geopolitical implications of these delays are significant. India's declining squadron strength, coupled with the slow pace of Tejas production, leaves it at a potential disadvantage relative to its regional rivals. The Air Chief Marshal's remarks regarding concerns about adversaries in the north and west underscore this strategic vulnerability. The solution lies in a multi-pronged approach that involves not only accelerating the Tejas program but also exploring diverse avenues for acquiring modern fighter jets to bolster the Air Force's capabilities in the short term. The long-term success, however, hinges on the comprehensive reforms recommended by the parliamentary committee, aimed at strengthening indigenous defense manufacturing and ensuring that India’s defense capabilities are aligned with the evolving threats in the region.
Source: "First 40 Tejas Still Not...": Air Force Chief As China Tests 6th Gen Jets