New Delhi, May 30 — India’s top air force officer on Thursday criticised persistent delays in defence projects and called on the private sector to play a more active role in boosting indigenous military capabilities, as the country pushes for greater self-reliance in its armed forces.
Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Business Summit 2025, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said no major defence project in recent memory had met its original timeline, urging industry players to focus on execution and accountability.
“Timeline is a big issue… not a single project that I can think of has been completed on time,” Singh said. “Why should we promise something which cannot be achieved?”
His comments come amid the Indian government’s continued push to expand local defence manufacturing under its “Make in India” initiative, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign arms suppliers and respond quickly to regional security challenges.
The Air Chief hailed the recently concluded Operation Sindoor as a “national victory” and an example of India’s growing strategic air power. He warned, however, that shifting global threats and emerging technologies necessitate a more agile and self-sufficient approach.
Singh said private firms must rise to the occasion, even if profit margins are modest. “Trust with the armed forces must not only be built, but also constantly reinforced,” he said, adding that industry must work closely with the military as “links in a bigger national chain.”
The government’s decision to involve private industry in the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project was described as a “big step” reflecting growing confidence in Indian firms.
Singh emphasized that indigenous design and production are key. “We cannot just talk about producing in India; we need to start designing and developing in India also,” he said. “We need to be now-ready to be future-ready.” He also called for mechanisms to retain top talent in defence R&D, noting that innovation would be central to preparing for the future battlefield.
Other senior officials echoed the call for private-sector engagement. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi pointed to India’s increasing maritime ambitions, while Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh outlined reforms to strengthen the defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat said Operation Sindoor had demonstrated the decisive role of technology in future conflicts. He invited private firms to invest in R&D, promising close collaboration with the DRDO to position India as a global defence innovator.
“Manufacturing is important, but the real value lies in designing and developing our own systems,” Kamat said.
