Atmanirbharta must keep pace; old technology has no meaning, says IAF Chief

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh emphasized the importance of keeping pace with technological advancements during his visit to Karnataka’s Seabird Naval Base in Karwar on Wednesday, where he commissioned the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Malvan. Speaking after the commissioning ceremony, he stated that “technology delayed is technology denied” and warned that if a nation produces something only to find the world has already moved ahead, its efforts lose significance. His remarks underscored the urgency of maintaining rapid innovation and self-reliance in defense capabilities. The INS Malvan, constructed by Cochin Shipyard, represents a milestone in India's quest for indigenous military production. Designed for shallow water environments, the vessel is capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing underwater threats. It also supports maritime surveillance and coastal security missions, highlighting its strategic role in enhancing naval readiness along India’s coastline. According to officials, the ship incorporates 80% indigenous components, marking a significant achievement in the country’s push toward self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. During his address, Air Chief Marshal Singh praised the Indian Navy for its proactive approach to integrating local technologies into its fleet. He noted that the Navy had embraced the concept of atmanirbharta, self-reliance, from an early stage, embedding naval personnel directly in shipbuilding processes. These officers, who grow within the shipyards, eventually rise to senior positions, ensuring continuity and expertise in indigenous projects. This model, he argued, has enabled the Navy to achieve notable success in developing advanced vessels like the INS Malvan. In contrast, the Air Force, according to Singh, has taken longer to adopt similar strategies. He acknowledged that different branches of the armed forces move at varying paces in adopting new technologies and practices. However, he stressed that the Air Force must accelerate its efforts to match the Navy’s progress. “We hope that the other two services, especially the Indian Air Force, learn their lesson on how the Indian Navy has been able to get this whole concept right,” he said. He urged the Air Force to implement similar measures to ensure that India’s vision of self-reliance becomes a tangible reality. Singh highlighted the broader implications of atmanirbharta, arguing that building domestic technology is essential for national security and global competitiveness. He pointed out that without continuous innovation, nations risk falling behind in the rapidly evolving landscape of modern warfare. “It is very important to build homegrown technology. It is important to do research and development at home. It is very important to grow and remain relevant at the speed of relevance,” he reiterated, emphasizing the need for agility in both design and production cycles. The emphasis on speed and relevance reflects a growing recognition among military leaders that delays in technological advancement can render even well-planned initiatives obsolete. With global defense markets evolving at breakneck speed, Singh’s comments align with a wider strategy to strengthen India’s indigenous defense industry. The success of the INS Malvan serves as a case study for other projects, demonstrating that high levels of indigenization are achievable with the right institutional support and long-term planning. As the Indian Armed Forces continue to prioritize self-reliance, the lessons learned from the Navy’s achievements will likely shape future collaborations and reforms across all three services.