India to Produce 40 Fighter Jets Annually, Ending Reliance on Hand-Me-Downs: IAF Chief

India is enhancing its defense manufacturing capabilities, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) prioritizing domestically produced systems over foreign imports. Despite minor performance trade-offs, locally made systems remain the preferred option.

Air Chief AP Singh said that reliance on foreign suppliers could pose a strategic risk in extended military engagements. (File photo)

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh emphasized this during the Chanakya Dialogues conclave, stating, “Even if a homegrown system gives me a slightly lesser performance... if it is 90 percent or 85 percent of what I get in the world market, we will go for homegrown system because that is the only way we can get over with always looking outward to get our systems.”

He recognized that building such systems requires time. “A homegrown system cannot just happen overnight. It will take time and it needs to be supported. So for that, Indian Air Force is fully committed to any R&D project,” he said.

Increasing Aircraft Production Capacity

With aging fleets requiring replacement, India must substantially increase its aircraft production. Singh emphasized the necessity of producing at least 35-40 military aircraft annually. HAL has committed to manufacturing 24 LCA Mk1A jets per year starting next year, with additional aircraft, such as Sukhoi fighters, potentially raising its total annual output to approximately 30.

“If some private industry comes in for a Make in India, let's say, we add another maybe 12-18 aircraft per year from their side. So we are reaching that number. So that is possible,” he explained.

Readiness for Extended Conflicts

Maintaining a prolonged conflict demands not only stockpiles but also the capability to swiftly replenish supplies. Singh emphasized the significance of self-sufficiency in wartime manufacturing.

“We need to be able to take on this long protracted war, for which we need the capacity to be able to come up with a production rate that will be required for the weapons during war,” he said.

He stressed that during a prolonged war, India must rely on both its existing reserves and a dependable domestic industry to manufacture the required weapons.

Enhancing Defence Relations with France

Alongside its focus on indigenous production, India is strengthening its global military partnerships. During his visit to France, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized India’s strategic vision for security and collaboration.

At Ecole De Guerre, the French Joint Staff College, General Dwivedi delivered a keynote address on India's regional geopolitical stance. The session, attended by 98 international officers from 68 countries, explored emerging security challenges and the importance of global military cooperation. “The session emphasised the evolving security environment, the vital role of modern armies in addressing emerging challenges and the imperative for enhanced global cooperation to ensure collective security,” stated the Additional Directorate General of Public Information.

Honoring the Legacy of India's Military

Earlier, General Dwivedi paid tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I by laying a wreath at the Indian War Memorial in Neuve-Chapelle. “Their courage, dedication and legacy are forever etched in history, inspiring generations to come,” the Army’s official statement read. The memorial stands as a tribute to India's enduring commitment to global peace and security.

Harnessing the Power of Modern Warfare Technologies

Technology is swiftly revolutionizing modern warfare, and the IAF is rapidly integrating automation and artificial intelligence (AI).

“I think we all understand what is happening in the world with the technologies that have been talked about – AI, quantum computing and automation is what is going on. So we are working towards positively, we are already moving very fast with automation,” Singh said.

“A lot of systems have been automated. A lot of prognosis has been automated. A lot of automation has taken place there, which is saving us a lot of time and also giving us efficient solutions,” he added.

Meanwhile, General Dwivedi attended live firing demonstrations by the French Scorpion Division at Carpiagne, where he observed the integrated firing of newly inducted Jaguar, Griffon, and Serval vehicles. His visit also included a stop at the Airbus facility in Marseille, where he received a briefing on advancements in aviation technology and aerospace engineering.

While achieving a self-reliant defense industry is a gradual process, Singh reaffirmed the IAF’s dedication to this objective. At the same time, General Dwivedi’s engagements in France underscored India’s growing military partnerships and strategic collaborations.

With increased private sector participation, expanded production capacity, and rapid technological progress, India is steadily advancing toward its goal of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defense while enhancing its global standing.

(This Article was originally published by MSN)