‘Technology delayed is technology denied’: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh stresses complete on indigenisation and unmanned systems

NEW DELHI: Underscoring the critical need for self-reliance in India’s defence sector, Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh stated that “technology delayed is technology denied,” warning that production technology loses its relevance if competitors already hold it.

Addressing a gathering on the integration of futuristic capabilities, the Air Chief Marshal emphasised that while different operational zones have been established, effective implementation requires deep structural and procedural integration.

“We now need to think about unmanned systems. We have created different zones, but for the implementation we need to think… Integration is very important. We need to know each other’s positions, whether it is procedural or production,” he said.

“Cyber security is important, secure networks and data privacy; we must have our own IPR to make changes, also need indigenous AI algorithms.”

– Air Chief Marshal AP Singh pic.twitter.com/gdNxWphGwO

— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) July 30, 2026

Calling for absolute self-sufficiency across the entire defence supply chain, Air Chief Marshal Singh asserted, “Every brick should be developed in India. Then only we can say that we are fully indigenous”. Highlighting modern digital and technological demands, he noted that cybersecurity remains paramount and stressed the urgent requirement for indigenous Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms.

Urging industry giants to nurture the defence startup ecosystem, the Air Chief Marshal appealed to major corporations to financially back and mentor smaller innovators. “R&D is very important; it’s my appeal to big players to support smaller players, adopt some startups, you become the man who puts money in them, don’t think about money back,” he added.

“Disruptive tech dominates, can’t miss the bus.

Tech delayed is tech denied.

No point in tech not going beyond a lab; need production capability & scalability.

Every day new thing comes up. We should be pushing ourselves.”

– IAF Chief AP Singh pic.twitter.com/6mCW9YqmvF

— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) July 30, 2026

Earlier, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a self-reliant defence ecosystem, saying the resolve is to make India a developed nation by 2047 and transform the Indian Air Force into the world’s most powerful air force through indigenous capabilities and innovation.

Addressing reporters at a defence sector gathering, Seth said India has always believed in peace and the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, but remains prepared to give a strong response to any challenge to its sovereignty and security.

“India’s culture teaches us peace and the welfare of humanity. But when anyone tries to threaten us through terrorism or casts an evil eye on the nation, we also know how to respond with the spirit of Lord Shiva’s Tandav,” Seth said.

Highlighting the importance of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector, the Minister said the country’s resolve is to make the Indian Air Force one of the most powerful air forces in the world through indigenous capabilities.”The world is looking towards India today. This is not just a dream, but a resolve and determination that will never remain incomplete,” he said.

Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, Officer-in-Charge (Maintenance), Indian Air Force, on Thursday highlighted the importance of collaboration between the armed forces, defence industry, research organisations and certification agencies to build a stronger and self-reliant aerospace ecosystem in India.

Addressing a workshop organised by the Indian Air Force and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), Air Marshal Ghuratia said that the future of India’s aerospace capability cannot be achieved by any single organisation working independently, but through collective efforts, knowledge sharing, trust and a shared national vision.

He expressed gratitude to the Minister of State for Defence for supporting initiatives aimed at developing a robust indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem and said such efforts are helping translate the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat into operational capabilities.

Speaking on the theme of the seminar, ‘Sankalp’, Air Marshal Ghuratia said the word represents determination and collective commitment towards self-reliance, indigenous development and knowledge-based partnerships — the foundation for India’s future aerospace growth.

He emphasised that self-reliance in defence cannot be achieved without indigenous technology development, while indigenous innovation requires strong partnerships between industry, academia, research institutions, certification bodies and the armed forces.

Highlighting the changing nature of warfare, Air Marshal Ghuratia said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance, quantum technologies and cyber resilience are already shaping modern military capabilities.

He cautioned that dependence on external supply chains for critical defence technologies poses a strategic risk, adding that self-reliance in aerospace has become a national security requirement rather than merely a developmental goal.

Referring to the teachings of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Air Marshal Ghuratia said excellence in duty remains a guiding principle and that for the Indian Air Force, excellence is reflected through operational readiness, engineering accuracy and continuous innovation.

He acknowledged the significant progress made by India’s defence manufacturing sector over the past decade but said challenges remain in achieving complete technological independence. “Strategic capability cannot always be measured through conventional commercial parameters. Certain technologies must be developed because they are essential for national security and not only because of market demand,” he said.

Air Marshal Ghuratia highlighted that global aerospace advancements have shown that major technological breakthroughs emerge when governments, defence forces, industry and research institutions work together with a common strategic objective.

He said India has all the necessary components for building a strong indigenous defence ecosystem and that the key challenge now is to integrate these capabilities into a unified framework to achieve technological sovereignty. (ANI)