Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has voiced serious concerns about persistent delays in India’s defence procurement, stating that the armed forces are often aware, even at the time of signing, that many defence deals are unlikely to meet their delivery deadlines.
Speaking at the CII Business Summit 2025, the Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) addressed the evolving nature of warfare and the critical importance of timely delivery in defence acquisitions. “Many times, when we sign a deal, we already know the systems will not arrive on time,” he said. “Timelines are a major issue. I don’t believe a single major project has been completed as per its original schedule. Why should we make promises we know we can’t keep?”
Air Chief Marshal Singh highlighted how the dynamics of modern warfare are rapidly changing with the influx of new technologies and real-time operational demands, citing the recently conducted Operation Sindoor as a wake-up call for India’s defence preparedness. “The operation showed us where we stand and what more we need to be ready for future threats,” he added.
A significant portion of his remarks focused on the delays in indigenous defence programs, particularly the much-anticipated Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. The IAF had placed an order for 83 of these aircraft with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in February 2021. However, despite initial commitments for deliveries to begin by March 2024, not a single aircraft has been handed over to the Air Force.
The Tejas Mk1A is considered a crucial component in India's push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, but delays such as this one continue to undermine that goal. Singh’s comments reflect a broader frustration within the armed forces over the gap between policy ambition and execution on the ground.
Industry experts say his remarks may spur further debate on procurement reform, vendor accountability, and the need for faster, more reliable supply chains in India’s strategic defence sector.
