Singh said what challenges these geostrategic uncertainties pose to national security and that “we are ready to deal with them” is crucial to India.
His remarks came on the occasion of a speech chaired by the Air Force Association in honor of the Marshal of the Indian Air Force Ali Singh, whose birth anniversary was on April 15.
“He is a visionary military leader who inspires young people even today. If the International Air Force is one of the most powerful air forces in the world today, it is because of the vision and spirit of military leaders like the Indian Air Force Arford Arfore Arford Arford Arford Arford Arford Arford Arford Arford Arford Arford.”
“Seldom are part of history and make history,” the minister said. “Arjan Singh is one of them. We all know his role in the war against Pakistan in 1965. This is an example of his visionary leader, the Indian Air Force began to fight back in an hour.”
In his speech, he also spoke about the “Atmanirbharta” (self-sufficiency) in the defense sector and the IAF. In view of the IAF’s demand, Singh called aero engine development a “first area” for the government. “The effort is to manufacture this engine only in a co-development and co-production model with comprehensive intellectual property rights,” he said. The Defense Minister said that the 21st century is regarded as the Asian century.
“The transatlantic force equations of the 20th century have now turned to Asia and are getting closer,” Singh said.
If people look at conflicts around the world, they will find a common thread. He added that driven by technology, the method of war changes faster, while the combat is “more unpredictable and deadly”.
Singh describes the IAF journey as an aspiring, inspiring and change-based epic, not only to touch the sky, but also to turn the dream of national security into reality.
Despite the challenges, the IAF has become stronger after independence and is now “a significant contribution to national security as a strong pillar”, he said.
Singh reiterated his commitment to establishing the IAF as a “main power” in the region, saying the journey towards ‘aatmanirbharta’ is a shared responsibility. He asserted: “The vision of commitment, collaboration and unity is a need for the hour.
The Defense Minister said that if the IAF is fully equipped and technology-oriented, India’s national security will be further strengthened.
Singh stressed that national security cannot be ensured through import dependence, and the government is working to achieve defense sovereignty.
He said the focus is on manufacturing defense equipment within the country, and the Ministry of Defense’s efforts are producing “positive results.”
Singh, in his speech, called the Light Fighter (LCA) Tejas, the advanced light helicopter Dhruv, the light private helicopter Prachand, Akash and Brahmos air defense weapons are “shining examples” of the capabilities of Indian designers, engineers and scientists.
He also said today’s situation shows that hardware-based war systems are now moving towards software-based systems. In the coming time, the war will depend more on software-based systems, Singh added.
Admiral Dinesh k Tripathi, Chief of Staff, Marshal AP Singh, other senior military officials, and service and retired IAF personnel were also present.
