Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has expressed confidence in the upcoming Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2 and the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), saying the two indigenous fighter programmes will take India's defence aviation industry to "greater heights".
His remarks assume significance given that the IAF chief has in the past publicly expressed displeasure over delays in the delivery of Tejas Mk1A fighter jets by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Singh said India's defence aviation sector, encompassing both research and development and production, was expanding rapidly, while acknowledging that deliveries of some aircraft had been affected by global supply chain bottlenecks.
"I can assure you that India's defense aviation sector—both R&D and production—is growing at a rapid pace. We have operationalised the aircraft, with a large number on order," Singh said, according to news agency ANI.
"While some deliveries faced global supply chain bottlenecks, our defence aviation industry is set to reach greater heights with the upcoming Tejas Mk 2 and the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)," he added.
The IAF chief's expression of confidence in the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA comes against the backdrop of his earlier concerns about delays in defence projects.
In May 2025, Singh had questioned the tendency to commit to timelines that could not be met.
"Many times, we know while signing contracts that those systems will never come. Not a single project that I can think of has been completed on time," he had said.
"Why should we promise something which cannot be achieved?" he had asked.
His latest remarks, however, underline the faith being placed in the next generation of India's indigenous combat aircraft programmes, with the Tejas Mk2 and the fifth-generation AMCA expected to play a key role in the future of the country's defence aviation sector.
Singh made the remarks after he and his Japanese counterpart, Gen Takehiro Morita, flew in separate Tejas aircraft during the bilateral air exercise 'Veer Guardian' in Rajasthan's Jodhpur on Sunday.
While Singh flew solo in a Tejas fighter, Morita flew in a Tejas trainer alongside an IAF pilot commanding a Tejas unit.
The formation sortie, led by the IAF chief, lasted around 20-25 minutes.
Singh said Morita's decision to fly in the indigenous fighter demonstrated the Japanese air chief's trust in the platform.
"General Morita's flight today is a strong testament to the faith and trust you place in our indigenous platforms," he said.
