Yet to get 40 Tejas ordered in 2010: IAF chief

(Web Desk): Indian Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, voiced his concerns over delays in the delivery of the Tejas fighter aircraft into service, calling for increased private partnership in developing defence products and providing more funds for Research and Development (R&D).

Speaking at the 21st Subroto Mukherjee Seminar on 'Atmanirbharta in Aerospace: Way Ahead', yesterday, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh talked about the emphasis on R&D and how it "loses its relevance if it is not able to meet the timeline." Air Chief Marshal Singh also flagged the delay in procurement of the first batch of the Tejas fighter jet ordered by the Indian Air Force.

"Capacity building is important, we may not need it every time but we need to be flexible and production agencies have to invest in their advanced manufacturing processes to increase speed and upskill their manpower," Air Chief Marshal Singh said at the seminar.