IAF Chief AP Singh Advocates for Indigenous Weapons and Highlights Agnipath Scheme
In New Delhi, ahead of Indian Air Force Day, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh emphasized the importance of India developing its own weapon systems to address security challenges. He warned that relying on foreign weapons could create a ‘choke point’ due to changing interests. Speaking at a press conference, he stated, “If you need to fight the war, you have to have them being manufactured in India.” He urged manufacturing agencies to increase production rates to build capacity.
Regarding the Agnipath scheme, AP Singh mentioned that the Indian Air Force could absorb more than 25% of Agniveers if required. He noted that feedback on Agniveers has been very positive, but the decision to absorb more lies with the government.
When questioned about the IAF’s capability to conduct attacks similar to those by Israel, AP Singh affirmed, “We have the capability to strike our enemies in foreign lands,” citing the Balakot air strikes as evidence.
Doubts Revealed
IAF -: IAF stands for Indian Air Force, which is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces responsible for defending Indian airspace.
AP Singh -: AP Singh is the Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force, which means he is the top leader of the IAF.
Indigenous Weapons -: Indigenous weapons are weapons that are made in India, rather than being bought from other countries.
Agnipath Scheme -: The Agnipath Scheme is a program by the Indian government to recruit young people into the armed forces for a short period, called Agniveers.
Agniveers -: Agniveers are the young recruits who join the Indian armed forces under the Agnipath Scheme for a short-term service.
Balakot air strikes -: The Balakot air strikes were a military operation conducted by the Indian Air Force in 2019, targeting a terrorist camp in Pakistan.
