India's first C-295 aircraft just 2 months away; the speed of IAF modernisation can be faster: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has said that the first C295 that is being built in India is facing some minor issues and the aircraft should be able to come up in a month or two. Singh also said the pace of the force’s modernisation could be faster, highlighting the need to accelerate capability development as India works to manufacture military aircraft domestically

Speaking at an event ahead of the IAF’s 94th anniversary at the Air Force Auditorium in Subroto Park on Wednesday, Singh said the first C-295 being manufactured in India had entered production testing. He expressed hope that the aircraft would begin coming out over the next one or two years.

The comments come as the IAF pursues multiple aircraft acquisition and development programmes, several of which have faced delays or remain at the negotiation stage.


Also Read: IAF chief hints at foreign fifth-gen fighter option if AMCA is delayed, cites Russia's Su-57 offer

C-295 production in India enters testing stage

India had signed a Rs 21,935-crore agreement with Airbus Defence and Space to procure C-295 transport aircraft to replace the IAF’s ageing Avro-748 fleet. The first C-295 was inducted into the IAF in September 2023.

Under the programme, 16 aircraft were to be delivered from abroad, with the remaining 40 to be manufactured in India. Singh said the Indian production line had reached the testing stage, although some minor issues were being resolved in the 17th aircraft that is the first one being developed in the country.

He indicated that aircraft manufactured in India could begin emerging over the next one or two years. The timeline makes the pace of production a key factor in the programme’s progress as the IAF seeks to strengthen its transport capabilities through domestic manufacturing.

IAF chief says modernisation can move faster

Singh said the IAF had been shifting from a platform-centric approach towards a capability-centric model, with greater emphasis on integration. He said the transformation was the result of processes initiated several years ago and that the force was moving in the right direction.

However, he acknowledged that progress could be faster.

“According to me, yes, we can be a little faster than what we are,” Singh said, citing procedural, procurement and development-related constraints.

He said the IAF had demonstrated the importance of air power as the mainstay of defensive action and was continuing to work towards strengthening its operational capabilities.

Tejas Mk-1A delays remain a concern

The delayed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A programme is another major challenge for the IAF. In February 2021, the Defence Ministry signed a Rs 48,000-crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 83 aircraft, with initial deliveries originally scheduled for March 2024. The IAF had not received any of those aircraft at the time of Singh’s remarks.

The Defence Ministry subsequently signed another agreement worth Rs 62,370 crore with HAL in September 2025 for 97 additional Tejas Mk-1A aircraft.

Singh said the IAF had a contract for 180 LCA Mk-1A aircraft and had been actively engaging with HAL over the delays. He said discussions had focused on identifying what could be done to address the issues and establish a way forward.

The Air Chief said the IAF was waiting for HAL to meet its commitments, with the latest commitment having been made for September. He expressed confidence that a “visible number” of aircraft would be delivered during the current financial year, in line with an indication from the Defence Secretary.

Singh also reiterated the IAF’s support for the LCA Mk-2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programmes.

Also Read: IAF has grown into exceptional, network-centric force: Air Chief Marshal A P Singh

AWACS, fighter jets and transport aircraft on procurement agenda

The IAF is pursuing several other programmes to expand its surveillance, combat and transport capabilities.

Singh said the contract for six Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) Mk1A aircraft was at the contract negotiation stage. The AWACS Mk2 programme, based on the Airbus A321 platform, had already been signed, and modification work had commenced.

The force is also working on the acquisition of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), including the proposed procurement of Rafale aircraft, as well as medium transport aircraft, light utility helicopters and medium-range helicopters. The design and development of the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), surface-attack systems and other combat aircraft programmes are also part of its broader capability development plans.

Singh said projects involving High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) and Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) remotely piloted aircraft were progressing, with the relevant procurement process under negotiation.

IAF plans new firefighting training systems

The Air Chief also outlined plans to improve firefighting training and support at locations where conventional equipment may be difficult to deploy.

He said the force was planning simulators that could recreate fire-like conditions at a site or around an aircraft for training purposes. A large number of “fire bots” were also being planned to assist firefighters in areas where large equipment cannot easily be taken.

The initiatives form part of the IAF’s wider efforts to strengthen its operational and support capabilities as it continues with aircraft acquisition, domestic production and technology development programmes.

Indigenisation efforts

Singh said more than 76,000 parts had been indigenised through efforts involving the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which, he said, would help improve the IAF’s sustainment capabilities.