Archive · 30 Jul 2026
IAF Chief Urges Self‑Reliance in Drone Technology
The head of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, said that India should make its own drones and other defence tech instead of waiting for other countries.
He warned that if India waits too long, it will miss out on new technology.
He talked about working with the government, industry, and scientists to build everything in India.
He also said the country needs to be able to tell the difference between good drones and bad ones so it doesn’t accidentally shoot its own drones.
Finally, he said all parts of a drone, even tiny ones, should be made in India to keep the country safe and independent.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh called for greater self‑reliance in unmanned aerial systems and critical defence technologies.
He warned that "technology delayed is technology denied," urging swift development to avoid falling behind.
Discussions are underway with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other ministries to identify bona fide versus rogue drones and prevent fratricide.
Singh emphasized a whole‑of‑nation approach, involving defence forces, industry, government, researchers, academia, and certification agencies.
He highlighted the need to miniaturize drones, payloads, and all components domestically to achieve true "Aatmanirbharta."
- Who
- Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Indian Air Force
- What
- Advocated for greater self‑reliance in unmanned aerial systems and critical defence technologies
- When
- Thursday, July 30, 2026
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To avoid dependence on foreign technology and ensure timely development
- Speaker
- Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh
- Topic
- Self‑reliance in unmanned aerial systems
- Date
- July 30, 2026
- Location
- New Delhi, India
- Key Quote
- "technology delayed is technology denied"
