Chief of Air Staff  Air Marshal AP Singh & General Upendra Dwivedi (Retd) in TEJAS Cockpit

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh has said the Indian Air Force (IAF) is progressing in the right direction, although the pace of advancement could be faster, PTI reported.

Speaking at the Air Force Auditorium in Subroto Park, New Delhi, on the eve of the IAF's 94th anniversary, he stressed the need to strengthen capabilities amid rapidly evolving technologies.

He noted that while significant progress has been made in enhancing capabilities, certain areas still require greater capacity, quicker induction and increased combat mass. He also highlighted delays in some projects, including the TEJAS MK-1A program.

The IAF chief said the force has, in recent years, shifted its focus from a platform-centric approach to a capability-centric model, with greater emphasis on integrating various components. According to him, this approach demonstrated its effectiveness during Operation Sindoor.

Air Chief Marshal Singh said operational deployments have tested the force, military exercises have stretched its capabilities, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions have taken it beyond India's borders, and air diplomacy has helped expand strategic partnerships.

He expressed satisfaction with the overall direction of progress but remarked that the speed of development remains a matter for assessment, adding that the Air Force could move faster than it currently does.

Air Chief Marshal Singh, who retires this month, will hand over leadership of the IAF to Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who has been named as his successor.

Agencies