IAF Chief Flags Tejas Delay: '40 Fighters A Year Needed To Reverse Squadron Decline'

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has said contractual penalties apply when aircraft deliveries are delayed, responding to a question on the delayed Tejas programme. Singh also underlined the scale of the Indian Air Force’s fighter shortage, saying the force needs to induct roughly 36–40 aircraft every year — equivalent to almost two fighter squadrons — to stop the decline in strength and begin moving towards its sanctioned target. He said HAL is discussing production of more than 20 Tejas aircraft annually, while additional inductions could come through the MRFA programme and the Su-30 order if the programmes progress as planned. The IAF chief also spoke about the changing nature of warfare, including long-range combat, drones and space warfare. He said the Air Force is working on space situational awareness, communications, ISR capabilities and technologies related to the possible weaponisation of space. Watch Air Chief Marshal AP Singh’s remarks on Tejas delays, fighter squadron strength and the future of Indian air power. #APSingh #IndianAirForce #IAF #Tejas #HAL #FighterJets #SpaceWarfare #IndianDefence For more videos subscribe to our channel:    / @ndtvprofitindia   Visit NDTV Profit for more news: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/ Don't enter the stock market unaware. Read all Research Reports here: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/research-r... Follow NDTV Profit here Twitter:   / ndtvprofitindia   ,   / ndtvprofit   LinkedIn:   / ndtvprofit   Instagram:   / ndtvprofit   Facebook:   / ndtvprofit