IAF Chief Says Defence Self-Reliance Must Align With Emerging Technologies

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Wednesday stressed the need for India’s indigenous defence technology efforts to progress at a pace that matches global advancements. Speaking at Karnataka’s Seabird Naval Base in Karwar during the commissioning ceremony of the Indian Navy’s INS Malvan, he said that delayed technology development could lose its relevance as global defence capabilities continue to evolve rapidly.

“Technology delayed is technology denied,” Air Chief Marshal Singh said, highlighting the importance of timely research, development, and production of advanced systems within the country. He emphasised that self-reliance, or atmanirbharta, must not only focus on domestic production but also ensure that India develops modern technologies before global standards move ahead. He said that producing outdated systems after long delays would not serve the purpose of strengthening national security.

The Air Chief Marshal praised the Indian Navy for achieving around 80 percent indigenous content by value in INS Malvan and said other defence services, including the Indian Air Force, could learn from the Navy’s approach. He noted that the Navy had adopted indigenous development strategies early and successfully built strong cooperation between naval officers and domestic shipbuilding facilities. According to him, this integrated approach has helped India make significant progress in defence manufacturing.

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Singh said that different defence sectors have taken varying amounts of time to develop self-reliance capabilities, but the Indian Air Force must continue adapting to ensure that the country's goal of becoming self-sufficient in defence technology becomes a reality. He highlighted the importance of strengthening domestic research and development while maintaining the speed needed to remain competitive in a rapidly changing technological environment.

INS Malvan, constructed by Cochin Shipyard, is an anti-submarine shallow water craft designed to operate in areas where larger naval vessels such as destroyers and frigates cannot easily function. The vessel is equipped to detect, track, and respond to underwater threats while supporting maritime surveillance and coastal security operations. Its specialised design allows the Navy to address challenges in shallow-water warfare environments.

The commissioning of INS Malvan marks another step in India's efforts to expand indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The Navy’s achievement in increasing domestic content in warship construction reflects the country’s broader push towards defence self-reliance. Officials said continued investment in advanced technology, innovation, and local manufacturing will be crucial for maintaining India's strategic preparedness in the future.

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