Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh delivered a candid critique of India’s defence project timelines on Thursday, stating that “not a single project I can think of has been completed on time.” Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, the Air Chief Marshal called out systemic flaws in defence procurement and project execution, emphasizing the urgent need for realistic planning and stronger collaboration across stakeholders.
“Timelines are a big issue… Why should we promise something that cannot be achieved? Often, while signing the contract itself, we know the deadlines are unachievable, yet we go ahead. This vitiates the entire process,” he said.
Singh’s remarks come amid persistent delays in key defence initiatives, including the delivery of critical aircraft systems, which have hampered operational readiness and invited scrutiny.
Despite the criticism, the Air Chief praised Operation Sindoor, a recent precision strike on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, calling it a “national victory.” He credited the success of the operation to seamless coordination between the armed forces and intelligence agencies, and the strong will of the Indian people.
“This operation was executed professionally by all—forces, agencies, and the entire country. When truth is on your side, things happen automatically,” Singh noted.
He highlighted the evolving nature of warfare and stressed the growing role of advanced technology in modern defence strategy.
The Air Chief underlined the deep-rooted culture of mutual trust within the armed forces, describing it as a foundational pillar of national defence.
“The very first mission you fly, your life depends on someone else. That kind of trust is built into us,” he said.
Singh urged every component of the defence ecosystem—from the Army, Navy, and Air Force to DRDO and private industry—to be “strong links” in the national security chain, warning that one weak link could jeopardize the entire system.
In a significant statement, Air Marshal Singh welcomed the inclusion of private players in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, marking a milestone in defence sector liberalization.
“Private participation in AMCA is a big step. It reflects the growing confidence the nation has in its domestic industry,” he said, adding, “We need to go beyond just producing in India—we must start designing and developing in India too.”
The Air Chief concluded with a call for forthright, open communication between the forces and industry, affirming that sustained trust and accountability are essential to advancing India’s defence ambitions.
