Air Force will not create separate drone force, says Chief:Outlines IAF power roadmap; praises Capt Smit’s physical mental resolve

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Saturday said drones were “evolutionary” rather than “revolutionary” for the force and ruled out the creation of a separate drone force. He stressed that unmanned systems and loitering munitions would be more effective when integrated with other weapons and platforms. Addressing the IAF’s annual press conference in New Delhi, Singh said drone capabilities had existed within the Indian Air Force for decades and were now being expanded in terms of numbers, types and capabilities. No separate drone force Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said drones are “evolutionary” rather than “revolutionary” for the IAF and ruled out a separate drone force. He said the IAF is increasing the number and types of drones and loitering munitions, which have been part of its capabilities for decades. Singh stressed that drones and other weapon systems should operate together rather than in isolation to achieve the desired battlefield effect. He said the IAF already has specialised units for these capabilities and their numbers can be increased if required. He also said loitering munitions had helped create chaos and take down some air defence assets. Overall, the IAF’s approach is to integrate unmanned systems with other weapons rather than operate them as an independent arm. Fighter aircraft numbers declining Singh also addressed the IAF’s fighter aircraft strength and ongoing acquisition programmes. He acknowledged that the force’s aircraft numbers were declining and said delays in planned inductions had affected the IAF. “Everybody understands this fact that our numbers are decreasing, the aircraft that were supposed to come, on which we were relying, they have also come slow,” he said. He said the IAF was looking towards platforms including the Tejas Mark-1A, Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) and the future Mark-2 fighter to bridge existing and anticipated gaps. AMCA delay could prompt other options Singh also said that if there were further delays in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, the IAF may have to examine other options. He noted that Russia had offered the Su-57, but clarified that no decision had been taken on the proposal. The IAF chief said all major aircraft programmes needed to be pursued through a “whole-of-nation approach” to ensure timely delivery and operational capability. Praises Captain Smit Machchhar Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his exceptional bravery during the recent mid-air terror attack aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. He said the pilot’s physical and mental resolve was a lesson for the aviation community. “What he has done is exceptionally brave. He showed great physical and mental resolve. It is a lesson for us,” Singh said while addressing his annual press conference in Delhi on the occasion of the 94th Air Force Day, according to ANI. Pilot injured after co-pilot attacks him Machchhar, an Indian pilot, was seriously injured when his co-pilot attacked him aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 on September 30. The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the incident triggered a major emergency, with the aircraft entering a rapid descent before passengers and crew intervened. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to reach and open the cockpit door, allowing others to enter and overpower the attacker. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. Machchhar was taken to hospital for treatment and is recovering from his injuries. Singh specifically highlighted Machchhar’s physical and mental resolve, describing the incident as a lesson for aviators rather than simply an individual act of bravery.