IAF Chief Raises Alarm Over Delays in Defense Projects Amidst "Make in India" Push
New Delhi, May 29, 2025 — In a stark assessment of India's defense procurement and production landscape, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Marshal A P Singh, has publicly criticized the persistent delays in defense projects, stating that "not a single project I can think of has been completed on time." This statement, delivered during the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Business Summit, underscores significant challenges within the country's defense manufacturing sector, despite the government's ambitious "Make in India" initiative aimed at fostering self-reliance.
Marshal Singh's remarks come at a critical juncture when India is striving to enhance its indigenous defense capabilities. The "Make in India" campaign, launched to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports, has faced scrutiny over its execution, particularly in the defense sector. The IAF Chief's comments highlight a systemic issue where timelines for defense projects are often unrealistic, leading to a cycle of unfulfilled promises and delayed deliveries. This situation raises questions about the efficacy of current procurement processes and the ability to meet operational readiness requirements in a timely push.
The context of these delays is multifaceted. Recent developments, such as the delivery of the first F404-IN20 engines by GE Aerospace to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas LCA Mk 1A fighter jet, illustrate both progress and setbacks. Announced on March 26, 2025, this delivery marks a significant step towards addressing the IAF's need for advanced fighter jets, yet it also comes after considerable delays. The Tejas program, intended to be a flagship of indigenous defense manufacturing, has been plagued by timeline extensions, reflecting broader issues within the sector.
Moreover, the IAF's strategic focus has evolved to include space as a critical domain, as articulated by Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari in 2024. This doctrinal shift, coupled with substantial investments in space-related defense capabilities, indicates a recognition of emerging threats and the need for technological advancement. However, the juxtaposition of this forward-looking strategy with the ongoing delays in traditional defense projects suggests a disconnect between policy aspirations and operational realities.
Critically, Marshal Singh's statement invites a deeper analysis of the structural and procedural bottlenecks within India's defense ecosystem. The "Make in India" initiative, while laudable in its intent, appears to be hampered by inefficiencies in project management, inadequate infrastructure, and possibly unrealistic expectations set during contract negotiations. The IAF Chief's call for immediate improvements in production processes—"We need to quickly get our act together. Wars are won by empowering our forces"—is a urgent reminder of the stakes involved, especially in a geopolitically sensitive region.
The defense sector's challenges are not isolated but part of a larger narrative where India's defense budget, significant investments in indigenous manufacturing, and international collaborations must align with operational timelines. The recent Rs. 3,800 crore deal to export BrahMos missiles to Indonesia, announced in February 2025, showcases India's growing export potential and manufacturing prowess. However, such successes must be balanced against domestic shortcomings to ensure that the Indian Armed Forces are adequately equipped.
In conclusion, Marshal A P Singh's critique is a wake-up call for stakeholders across the defense spectrum. It necessitates a reevaluation of how defense projects are planned, executed, and monitored. The "Make in India" initiative's success hinges on addressing these delays, fostering a culture of accountability, and ensuring that technological advancements translate into operational capabilities. As India navigates its defense modernization, the alignment of policy, industry, and military needs will be crucial to transforming rhetoric into reality.
