Tech Desk: Despite past frustrations over delays, the Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, has strongly reasserted his confidence in the nation’s indigenous defence aviation sector. He believes the upcoming Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will elevate India’s defence capabilities to unprecedented levels, forming the backbone of the IAF’s fighter fleet beyond 2030.

This robust endorsement follows previous public criticisms regarding missed deadlines for Tejas Mk1A jets. However, Singh now acknowledges global supply chain disruptions while highlighting the rapid expansion of India’s research and production capacities. His remarks, made during the ‘Veer Guardian 2026’ exercise, were underscored by the historic flight of Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force Chief in a Tejas aircraft, a powerful testament to international trust in India’s homegrown platforms.

The Tejas Mk2 is poised to replace aging Mirage-2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar fleets, offering a significantly more capable upgrade. Further down the line, the fifth-generation AMCA will take over heavy-lifting roles from Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale jets, expected to enter service from 2035 onwards in two variants. This long-term strategy aims to establish a self-reliant combat aircraft ecosystem, reducing dependency on foreign imports. The IAF leadership stresses that meeting development timelines and securing robust supply chains are crucial for this indigenous transformation.