The Empowered Committee for Capability Enhancement of the Indian Air Force (IAF), headed by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, in its report presented to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday has suggested short, medium and long-term measures to achieve desired capability enhancement goals of IAF in an “optimal manner.”

Rajnath Singh had constituted the empowered committee following concerns being raised on acquisition timelines, including by IAF Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who has on multiple occasions openly raised his voice over severe capacity deficiency at a time when the country faces two hostile neighbours.

On February 27, the Chief of Air Staff stated that the force needs 35-40 jets each year to overcome lower than the required fighter aircraft fleet strength, which will continue in future with the phasing out of ageing Mirages, MiG-29s and Jaguars.

Earlier, he had criticised the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for delays in the supply of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk-1A to the IAF and said that he had no confidence in the Maharatna state-owned company.

The Ministry of Defence said the report also underscores the need for impetus to enhance ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in the Aerospace domain with the private sector complementing the effort of DPSUs and DRDO, hinting that private players may be roped to help HAL in the production of LCA Tejas Mk-1A and subsequent fighters in the assembly line.

The Defence Minister said the MoD, in its media statement, appreciated the work of the Committee and directed that the recommendations have to be followed up in a time-bound manner.

The Committee was directed to holistically examine all issues and prepare a clear plan of action. It was chaired by the Defence Secretary with the Vice Chief of Air Staff, Secretary (Defence Production), Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, DG Acquisition as members and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff as Member Secretary.