New Delhi: India’s Indigenous Defence Aviation Future received a major boost after IAF Chief A.P. Singh expressed strong confidence in the Tejas Mk2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programmes.
Despite past delays and supply chain challenges, the IAF leadership believes these indigenous platforms will play a central role in strengthening India’s self-reliance in military aviation and shaping the future combat fleet of the Indian Air Force.
IAF Chief A.P. Singh Reaffirms Faith In Indigenous Aircraft Programmes
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has reaffirmed his confidence in India’s growing aerospace ecosystem. He stated that the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA programmes are expected to take India’s defence aviation sector to a new level and support the country’s long-term goal of reducing dependence on imported combat aircraft.
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The remarks are significant because the IAF is expected to rely heavily on these platforms as older fighter jets gradually retire from service.
Confidence Comes Despite Earlier Concerns
The IAF Chief’s latest comments come months after he publicly raised concerns about delays in defence production. In May 2025, Air Chief Marshal Singh expressed frustration over missed delivery timelines and supply chain bottlenecks affecting Tejas Mk1A production.
At that time, he stressed the importance of setting realistic targets and ensuring timely delivery of defence equipment. However, his recent remarks indicate growing confidence that India’s aerospace industry is overcoming many of those challenges.
IAF Chief A.P. Singh: Supply Chain Situation Showing Improvement
According to the IAF Chief, global supply chain disruptions had temporarily impacted production schedules. He noted that both research and manufacturing capabilities within India are now expanding rapidly.
This progress is helping improve confidence in the country’s ability to deliver future indigenous fighter aircraft programmes.
Veer Guardian 2026 Highlights Growing International Trust
The comments were made during the bilateral India-Japan air exercise “Veer Guardian 2026″ held at Jodhpur Air Force Station. The event also marked a historic moment for India’s aviation sector.
Japanese Air Force Chief Flies In Tejas Aircraft
General Takehiro Morita, Chief Of Staff of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), became the first air force chief from an Asian nation to fly in a Tejas aircraft.
The flight demonstrated international confidence in India’s indigenous aviation capabilities. During a special formation sortie, Air Chief Marshal Singh flew a Tejas fighter as “Eagle One.” General Morita participated in a twin-seat Tejas trainer aircraft during the exercise.
The event highlighted the growing global recognition of India’s homegrown defence platforms.
Tejas Mk2 Expected To Become Backbone Of Future Fighter Fleet
The Tejas Mk2 programme is considered one of India’s most important defence projects. It is being developed as a larger, more capable, and more advanced aircraft compared to the current Tejas variants. The aircraft is expected to gradually replace several ageing fighter fleets currently serving in the Indian Air Force.
Aircraft Expected To Replace Older Platforms
The Tejas Mk2 is expected to replace:
- Mirage-2000 fighters
- MiG-29 fighters
- Jaguar strike aircraft
The transition will help modernise the IAF while increasing the share of indigenous equipment in service.
IAF Chief A.P. Singh: AMCA Will Lead India’s Fifth-Generation Fighter Ambitions
Beyond Tejas Mk2, India is also investing heavily in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The AMCA is being developed as India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. It is expected to become the backbone of India’s frontline combat aviation capability after 2035.
Two-Phase Development Plan
The Indian Air Force plans to induct the AMCA in two phases.
AMCA Mk1
- Expected to use GE F414 engines
- Focused on initial operational capability
- Will introduce stealth fighter capability into the IAF
AMCA Mk2
- Expected to feature a more powerful engine in the 120 kN class
- Designed for enhanced performance and future upgrades
- Will serve as the advanced version of the stealth fighter programme
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FAQs
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter programme designed to provide advanced combat capabilities for the Indian Air Force.
Tejas Mk2 is an advanced medium-weight fighter aircraft being developed in India as a more capable successor to current Tejas variants. It is expected to replace Mirage-2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar aircraft in the future.
The statement signals growing confidence within the Indian Air Force that indigenous aircraft programmes are progressing despite earlier delays and will play a major role in India’s future defence strategy.
