Rajnath Singh flags defence project delays, urges HAL to create 'technologies that do not exist'

Bengaluru: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday raised concerns over delays in critical defence projects and urged the scientists and engineers at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to create "technologies that do not exist today".

Singh was speaking at the handing over of two Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Final Operational Clearance (FOC) Twin Seater Trainers and three HTT-40 Basic Trainers to the Indian Air Force (IAF), and four Dhruv Next Generation (NG) helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited (PHL).

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Singh called for realistic project timelines to address delays in ongoing technical projects. He noted that delays can create gaps in meeting critical defence requirements, lead to cost escalations and increase the risk of technology obsolescence. Terming R&D a crucial priority area, Singh urged "young scientists, engineers, designers, test pilots, and technicians to take it as a challenge to create technologies that do not exist today." He called upon them to develop capabilities that secure a leading position for India in the global aerospace technology landscape over the coming decade.

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"There is a need for enhanced public-private synergy to build next-gen indigenous aerospace capabilities. By working together, we can accelerate the growth of India's aerospace sector. We must prepare for the sector's transformation through Artificial Intelligence, autonomous systems, unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare, cyber technologies, and next-generation propulsion, with a strong focus on their indigenous development and integration. Let us all resolve to make India not only self-reliant in the field of aerospace technology but also a global leader," he said.