'Not a single project on time': IAF Chief flags concerns on defence procurement delays

'Why should we promise something which cannot be achieved?' he asks

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

NEW DELHI: Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on Thursday voiced strong concerns over delays in executing defence acquisition projects, stating that no major project has met its timeline. Addressing the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Business Summit, he described Operation Sindoor as a defining moment for the Indian military, terming it a "national victory" achieved through collective national effort.

In his first public remarks since the brief but intense military engagement with Pakistan earlier this month, the Chief of Air Staff highlighted persistent setbacks in defence procurement. "Timelines is a big issue; that is where the 'vachan' (commitment) part comes in. Once a timeline is given... not a single project that I can think of has been completed on time," he said.

Though he did not specify particular programmes or timelines, his comments came amid known concerns over delays, including the prolonged delivery schedule of the Tejas light combat aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.