HAL Needs Private Sector to Build 24 Fighter Jet Per Year and Replenish IAF's Depleting Squadron, Says New IAF Chief

Stressing on self-reliance in the defence sector, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Friday said that if victory is to be achieved in future wars, the number of indigenous fighter aircrafts and weapons will have to be increased and for this Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has to fulfill its promise of making 24 aircrafts every year.

Referring to the increasing importance of the strength of the Air Force in view of the changing circumstances and the current wars, he said that if HAL is not able to meet this challenge then private sector of the country will have to come forward for it.

The Chief of Air Staff boldly said that the number of squadrons of fighter aircraft in the Air Force cannot be increased overnight and added that the Air Force will have to fight with the aircraft and weapons it currently has.

He said, “Nothing can be done in this situation because it is not a short term or a matter that can be bought overnight. Along with procurement, training is equally important and it takes time. It takes time not only to select the aircraft but also to induct it into the Air Force”.

The Air Force Chief said that even if the Air Force buys two or three squadrons at once, training for those aircraft also takes time, which is necessary.

It may be mentioned that the number of squadrons of fighter aircraft in the Air Force is 31, much less than the approved number of 42. The Air Force has been facing shortage of aircrafts for the last decade.

The CAS said, "The project of light combat aircraft Tejas is getting delayed. HAL had promised to manufacture 24 aircrafts every year and if this is accomplished then the position of the Air Force in terms of aircraft will improve. It is a matter of concern if this promise of HAL is not fulfilled. HAL will have some limitations and real problems".

"It is also a patriotic organization and for some reason the work might not be getting done. Anyway we cannot depend on one agency, the private sector will have to come forward to meet the need of indigenous aircraft," the Air Force chief said.

 

[sanket]

IAF totally Backing HAL, GE failed to deliver single Engine thats the Truth

 

[Anant]

He is too optimistic. HAL is not going to reach 24 aircraft a year for a very long time still, even if the engines were available.

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

I am thinking he will cancel MRFA tender and start ORCA program next soon... He gots too much faith in HAL and ADA jv now...

 

[Sandeep]

The only solution is that HAL should issue a license to the private sector companies to manufacture the jet as well. This will help to make more jets very quickly and on time.

They need to focus on developing Tejas 2 and AMCA as quickly as possible as these are the main jets that we need.

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

Just buy F21's at lower than 190 millions usd per unit lifetime ops costs of jet now!

 

[Dredd]

He is too optimistic. HAL is not going to reach 24 aircraft a year for a very long time still, even if the engines were available.

I can bet that they can't deliver even 16 airframe in FY 2026 , we will be lucky to get 4 by march 2025.

 

[kunites]

It's high time IAF chief must parallely focus on finalizing 114 Rafale for MRFA as already we got a good price for RafaleM.

 

[Calvin]

That is a relief.. our air chief is optimistic about HAL's promises..!! What was the promise by the way..? Was it about delivery of aircraft on time.?? If we delay any longer to build up our fighter squadrons with quality aircraft the only pride we will have is when our brave airmen are laid to rest in coffins that are 'made in India'... because right now their aircraft were lacking in quality and quantity... !! Time is running out fast .!! Stop blaming others and make a decision..any decision but act now !!!

 

[Anant]

I can bet that they can't deliver even 16 airframe in FY 2026 , we will be lucky to get 4 by march 2025.

I am very confident they won't manage 16 in FY26. My estimate is 6-8 at best, and anything in the double digits will be surprising.