IAF Concerns Over Indigenous Delays and Dependence

Source: The post IAF Concerns Over Indigenous Delays and Dependence has been created, based on the article “U.S. defence ties — India needs to keep its eyes open” published in “The Hindu” on 28 March 2025. IAF Concerns Over Indigenous Delays and Dependence.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) concerns over delays in indigenous aircraft production amid the Aatmanirbhar Bharat push. Triggered by the IAF chief’s critical remarks at Aero India 2025, it examines India’s growing defence dependence on the U.S. and the risks to strategic autonomy posed by such reliance.

Reason for Indian Air Force (IAF) facing stress

1. Heavy Dependence on HAL: The IAF depends largely on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a defence public sector undertaking.
2. Slow Production of Tejas Jets: HAL’s low output of Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is weakening the IAF’s squadron strength.
3. Limited Private Sector Involvement: Despite strong criticism from the IAF chief at Aero India 2025, progress has been limited. Only one rear fuselage—produced by a private company—has been delivered so far, though it was publicly highlighted with the Defence Minister and IAF chief present.

Key realities that caution India against overdependence in defence partnerships

1. India is still a top arms importer

• According to the SIPRI report (2020–24), India remains the second-largest arms importer globally.
• Imports have dropped by 9.3% compared to the 2015–19 period.
• However, costly platforms like aircraft, tanks, radars, and special weaponry continue to be imported.
• These imports will likely persist for years, increasing India’s dependence and raising the import bill.

2. Indigenous projects still depend on foreign technology

• The IAF has shown full support for indigenous platforms like Tejas Mk1A, Tejas Mk2, and AMCA.
• But all these aircraft rely on American engines, making India’s future air combat power dependent on U.S. policy.
• This raises serious concerns about how India’s operational readiness may be affected by shifting American strategic interests.

3. Past U.S. defence policies have been short-lived and unreliable

• The 2012 Defence Technology and Trade Initiative was launched to deepen cooperation and share cutting-edge technologies.
• However, it delivered few meaningful results and gradually lost momentum.
• The newly announced U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership also faces uncertainty.
• Under President Trump, U.S. foreign policy became transactional and unpredictable, showing that partnerships can quickly change.
• This highlights the danger of over-reliance on the U.S. without securing India’s strategic autonomy.

Conclusion
India must continue essential imports but should avoid critical dependence on any single country. For a true partnership, the U.S. must make India politically indispensable. At the same time, New Delhi must take a cautious, interest-driven approach, ensuring its defence choices are protected against sudden shifts in U.S. policy.

Question for practice:

Examine how delays in indigenous aircraft production and overdependence on foreign defence partners, especially the U.S., impact India’s strategic autonomy.