Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh Advocates for Rapid Advancement in Indigenous Drone Technology
Push for Indigenous Drone Development
File image of Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh. (Photo:X)
New Delhi, Jul 30: On Thursday, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh emphasized the urgent need for accelerated development of homegrown drone technology and other essential defense systems. He warned that delays in embracing new technologies could place India at a strategic disadvantage in contemporary warfare.
Speaking at a workshop hosted by the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) in New Delhi, the chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) highlighted the necessity for defense innovations to transition swiftly from research labs to active combat scenarios.
Singh stated, "Technology delayed is technology denied," pointing out that innovations lose their significance if they are introduced after other nations have already advanced.
He also underscored the importance of expediting the testing and approval processes by certification agencies to ensure that new technologies can be integrated into service without unnecessary hold-ups.
The Air Chief Marshal strongly advocated for complete self-sufficiency in drone production, asserting that India should manufacture all critical components domestically rather than relying on imports.
"Every component must be produced in India. Only then can we claim to be fully Atmanirbhar," he remarked, cautioning that dependence on foreign suppliers could expose India to vulnerabilities during crises.
Singh pointed out the increasing significance of drones in modern warfare, noting that unmanned systems typically cannot carry the same payloads as fighter jets and often experience higher failure rates. Consequently, they must be deployed in larger quantities to meet operational goals.
He also highlighted the necessity for seamless integration of drones with manned aircraft, as both will increasingly share the same airspace.
"We must be aware of each other's positions and understand how airspace will be utilized," he stated, emphasizing the need for improved planning, coordination, and situational awareness to prevent operational conflicts.
The IAF chief disclosed that talks are ongoing with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other governmental bodies to create a system capable of distinguishing authorized drones from unauthorized ones.
This system, he noted, would help avert the accidental targeting of friendly drones during operations.
Singh mentioned that drone platforms, along with their payloads like cameras, sensors, and weapons, need to be designed to be smaller and lighter to enhance operational efficiency.
Simultaneously, advancements in technologies such as stealth capabilities and electronic countermeasures must keep pace with unmanned systems to improve their survivability in combat.
Calling for a collective national effort in defense technology development, the Air Chief Marshal urged collaboration among the armed forces, defense industry, researchers, academia, regulators, investors, and government entities.
He asserted that a "whole-of-nation approach" is crucial for creating safe, reliable, scalable, and operationally effective unmanned and counter-drone systems, thereby bolstering India's long-term defense readiness.