Air Chief marshal AP Singh flags delays in production of indigenous weapon systems

Air chief marshal AP Singh on Thursday flagged delays in the development and production of indigenous weapon systems, saying not a single project has been completed on time and that while signing a contract it is not clear if the system would be delivered on time.

"Not a single project that I can think of has been completed on time. So, this is something we need to look at. Why should we promise something which cannot be achieved," he said, addressing the annual business summit of the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Singh said there is a need to get some quick 'Make in India' projects going and continue design in India' parallelly for the future, but there is a tendency to sign a contract and not adhere to the timelines required by the services. He also made a case for greater investment in research and development in the defence sector and called for a focus on cutting-edge technologies for a combat edge.


The air chief had expressed similar concerns in the past as well, referring to the delays in deliveries of the light combat aircraft Mk1a fighter jets that have missed their timeline by more than a year now.

Similarly, several indigenous programmes are facing large delays, including under-development projects like the advanced multirole combat aircraft, aerial early warning and control systems, and the intermediate jet trainer.

On Thursday, DRDO chief Samir V Kamat said that the first flight of the AMCA is scheduled for 2029 end, with 2034 as the deadline for completion of the development stage.