IAF Chief Calls for Urgent Development of Indigenous Drone Technology

Shillong, India Jul 30, 2026 ALN: Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, on Thursday, called for faster development of indigenous drone technology and other critical defence systems, saying delays in adopting new technologies could leave India at a disadvantage in modern warfare.

Addressing a workshop organised by the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) in New Delhi, the Indian Air Force (IAF) chief stressed that defence technologies must move quickly from laboratories to the battlefield. This urgency reflects a broader trend in military strategy worldwide, where the rapid evolution of technology has become a decisive factor in the effectiveness of armed forces. The IAF’s emphasis on indigenous technology development is particularly significant in the context of India's strategic objectives and geopolitical challenges.

"Technology delayed is technology denied," Singh said, emphasising that innovations lose their value if they are developed after other countries have already moved ahead. This statement underscores a critical point in military strategy: the race for technological superiority is often as vital as numerical advantages in troops or equipment. In recent years, countries like China and the United States have made significant strides in drone technology, and India’s ability to keep pace is essential for maintaining regional stability and deterrence capabilities.

He said it was equally important for certification agencies to speed up testing and approvals so that new technologies could be inducted into service without unnecessary delays. The process of certification can often be a bottleneck in the defence procurement cycle, and streamlining this process could enhance the IAF's operational readiness. Singh's call for expedited approvals highlights the need for a more agile regulatory framework that can adapt to the fast-paced advancements in technology.

The Air Chief Marshal also made a strong pitch for complete self-reliance in drone manufacturing, saying India should develop every critical component within the country instead of depending on imports. This push for self-reliance, or "Atmanirbhar Bharat," is not just about economic independence but also about strategic autonomy. By developing indigenous capabilities, India can reduce its vulnerability to external supply chain disruptions, especially during times of geopolitical tension.

"Every brick has to be made in India. Actually every brick should be developed in India, then only we can say we are fully Atmanirbhar," he said, adding that reliance on foreign suppliers could leave India vulnerable if critical components were withheld during emergencies. This perspective is particularly relevant given the ongoing global supply chain challenges exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have highlighted the risks associated with over-reliance on foreign technology.

Highlighting the growing role of drones in warfare, Singh said unmanned systems cannot carry the same payload as fighter aircraft and often have a high failure rate. As a result, they need to be deployed in large numbers to achieve operational objectives. The evolution of drone technology has been marked by rapid advancements, yet challenges remain in terms of payload capacity, reliability, and operational integration. The IAF’s focus on increasing the number of drones is indicative of a shift towards swarm tactics, where multiple drones can operate collaboratively to achieve mission objectives.

He also stressed the need for smooth integration of drones with manned aircraft as both will increasingly operate in the same airspace. "We need to know each other's positions and understand how an airspace is going to be used," he said, underlining the importance of better planning, coordination and situational awareness to avoid operational conflicts. This integration poses unique challenges, particularly in terms of air traffic management and ensuring the safety of both manned and unmanned systems in complex operational environments.

The IAF chief revealed that discussions were underway with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other government agencies to develop a system that can distinguish authorised drones from rogue ones. Such a mechanism, he said, would help prevent friendly drones from being mistakenly brought down during operations. The need for effective identification systems is critical, especially as drone technology becomes more accessible and widespread, leading to increased instances of unauthorized drone usage in sensitive areas.

Singh said drone platforms, along with their payloads such as cameras, sensors and weapons, would have to become smaller and lighter to improve operational efficiency. The trend towards miniaturization is not unique to drones; it is a hallmark of modern military technology. Smaller systems can often be deployed more flexibly and at lower costs, enhancing operational versatility.

At the same time, technologies such as stealth features and electronic countermeasures must evolve alongside unmanned systems to enhance their survivability on the battlefield. As drones become more integral to military operations, the development of counter-drone technologies will also become a priority. The IAF’s focus on survivability reflects a recognition that as drone usage increases, so too will adversaries' capabilities to detect and neutralize them.

Calling defence technology development a shared national responsibility, the Air Chief Marshal urged the armed forces, defence industry, researchers, academia, regulators, investors and government agencies to work together. This collaborative approach is essential for fostering innovation and ensuring that India can develop cutting-edge defence technologies that meet its strategic needs. By engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders, India can leverage its diverse talent pool and resources to advance its defence capabilities.

He said such a "whole-of-nation approach" was essential to build safe, reliable, scalable and operationally effective unmanned and counter-drone systems, while strengthening India's long-term defence preparedness. The implications of this approach extend beyond immediate military applications; they also encompass economic opportunities in the defence sector, job creation, and the potential for India to emerge as a global hub for defence manufacturing.

In conclusion, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh’s remarks serve as a clarion call for India to accelerate its efforts in developing indigenous drone technologies and related defence systems. As the landscape of modern warfare continues to evolve, the need for timely innovation and strategic self-reliance becomes increasingly critical. The IAF’s emphasis on collaboration and a whole-of-nation approach could pave the way for a more robust and resilient defence ecosystem in India, ensuring that the country remains prepared to meet future challenges head-on.