New Indian Air Force Chief AP Singh Focuses on Indigenous Fighter Jets
New Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has expressed his intent to further push indigenous fighter aircraft projects. He stated that the force has already ordered over 200 LCA Tejas jets and now needs to focus on the LCA Mark-2 and fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programs.
In his first media interaction after taking over his new role, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh shared that he has been closely associated with the Tejas program from its flight testing phase, making it very special to him. He acknowledged that while the LCA is a bit small for current needs, it still has a place in the force, which is why over 200 units have been ordered.
Singh recently made history by ‘intercepting’ the German Air Force chief in an LCA Tejas aircraft during exercise Tarang Shakti. Along with Navy and Army Vice Chiefs, he flew in the LCA aircraft over Jodhpur skies to promote the indigenous program.
The new IAF chief emphasized the motto for the year: ‘Sashakta Sudridh and Aatmanirbhar,’ which means ‘Empowered, Strong, and Self-Reliant.’ He believes that the country has the capacity and capability to achieve this goal, but it requires collective effort.
When asked about his key focus areas, Singh mentioned that the air force will continue to strive for self-reliance, operational capabilities, and better training. He also laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and took blessings from his mother, Pushwant Kaur, who was present with other family members.
Doubts Revealed
Indian Air Force Chief -: The Indian Air Force Chief is the top leader of the Indian Air Force, responsible for all its operations and activities.
AP Singh -: AP Singh is the new leader of the Indian Air Force. His full title is Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
indigenous -: Indigenous means something that is made in our own country. Here, it refers to fighter jets made in India.
fighter jets -: Fighter jets are fast and powerful airplanes used by the military to protect the country and fight in wars.
LCA Mark-2 -: LCA Mark-2 is a new version of a fighter jet called Light Combat Aircraft, which is being made in India.
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft -: Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft is a new type of fighter jet that India is planning to build.
Tejas program -: The Tejas program is a project to create a fighter jet called Tejas, which is made in India.
self-reliance -: Self-reliance means being able to do things on your own without needing help from others. Here, it means India making its own fighter jets.
operational capabilities -: Operational capabilities refer to how well the Air Force can perform its duties and missions.
LCA Tejas -: LCA Tejas is a fighter jet made in India. LCA stands for Light Combat Aircraft.
German Air Force chief -: The German Air Force chief is the top leader of Germany’s Air Force, similar to the Indian Air Force Chief.
