'Atmanirbharta must keep pace; old technology has no meaning': IAF Chief

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has underlined the need for India's Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) initiative in defence to be driven by advanced technology, asserting that merely manufacturing equipment domestically is not enough if it fails to meet modern operational requirements.

Speaking at a defence-related event, the Air Chief said India must develop and produce cutting-edge military platforms that can match global standards and keep pace with rapidly evolving warfare technologies.

'Technology is the key'

The IAF Chief said self-reliance should not come at the cost of technological advancement.

"Atmanirbharta must keep pace. Old technology has no meaning," he remarked, emphasising that the armed forces require modern systems capable of addressing present and future security challenges.

He noted that technological superiority has become a decisive factor in contemporary conflicts, making continuous innovation a strategic necessity.

Call for innovation in defence manufacturing

The Air Chief urged India's defence industry to focus on research, innovation and timely execution of projects.

He said indigenous defence platforms must not only be designed and manufactured in India but should also meet the operational expectations of the armed forces.

The remarks come as the government continues to promote domestic defence production under the 'Make in India' and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Modernisation remains a priority

The Indian Air Force is in the midst of a major modernisation drive aimed at strengthening its operational capabilities through the induction of advanced fighter aircraft, unmanned systems, air defence platforms and next-generation technologies.

The IAF has repeatedly highlighted the need to reduce dependence on imports while ensuring that indigenous equipment remains globally competitive in terms of performance and reliability.

Balancing self-reliance with capability

The Air Chief's comments underscore the importance of balancing self-reliance with technological excellence.

Defence experts say India must continue investing in advanced research, public-private partnerships and collaboration between the armed forces, academia and industry to build a robust indigenous defence ecosystem.

As India seeks to strengthen its military capabilities, the focus is expected to remain on developing future-ready technologies that enhance national security while supporting the country's long-term goal of defence self-sufficiency.