Yet to order 40 Tejas in 2010: IAF chief as China tests sixth-generation planes.

AP Singh, head of the Indian Air Force (IAF), expressed worry over the slow delivery of Tejas fighter planes, noting that the first batch of 40 aircraft purchased in 2009-2010 was yet to arrive. Speaking at the 21st Subroto Mukerjee Seminar, the IAF chief stated that the volume of manufacturing needed to expand at a time when India’s enemies, such as China, were “investing heavily in its air force”.

The Air Chief Marshal’s critical statements came only days after China tested its mystery sixth-generation stealth combat aircraft, a feat accomplished by no other nation. Singh stated that the first Tejas jet flew in 2001, and induction began 15 years later, in 2016.

“We should go back to 1984, when we conceived that aircraft. The first aircraft flew in 2001, 17 years later. The induction started another 15 years later, in 2016. Today, we are in 2024. I do not have the first 40 aircraft also, so this is the production capability,” the IAF chief said, underlining that “technology delayed is technology denied”.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is developing the Tejas, a multi-role light fighter aircraft. It is being introduced into the IAF to replace the old Mig 21 fighter jet, known as the “flying coffin” due to its high accident record. AP Singh emphasized the need of production agencies investing in innovative manufacturing techniques and enlisting private sector participation.

“I am certain that we need to get some private actors in. We need competition. We need different sources available so that individuals don’t lose their orders. Otherwise, nothing will change,” the Air Chief Marshal said.

His remarks come at a time when the Air Force is suffering a serious fighter shortage. It now has 30 fighter squadrons, with a sanctioned strength of 42. A fighter squadron consists of eighteen aircraft. Singh mentioned China’s recent presentation of two sixth-generation combat aircraft, which surprised the globe and military specialists.

In comparison, India’s fifth-generation fighter jet is still in the design and development phase. The Cabinet approved a plan to create the jet in March of last year.  Raising concerns over India’s neighbour’s astonishing pace of military modernisation, the IAF chief said, “As far as China is concerned, it is not just the numbers, even the technology is growing at a very rapid pace. We just saw the recent flight of the new generation fighter that they have pulled out.”