Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said “We aim to become an aerospace power by 2047” at the Chanakya Dialogues Conclave on 28 February, 2025. He said that the Indian Air Force has already taken significant steps towards achieving this goal, including educating its personnel to be more space-oriented.
AP Singh said "The Indian Air Force has been involved in the Ganganyaan project from the beginning. The four Gaganauts were our officers and our medical and training team was involved in their initial selection and training... The safety requirements of this manned mission were decided with contributions from the Indian Air Force."
The Air Chief Marshal acknowledged that developing indigenous military platforms is a long-term process requiring sustained investment and support. "A homegrown system cannot just happen overnight. It will take time and it needs to be supported. So for that, the Indian Air Force is fully committed to any R&D project." With ageing fleets needing replacement, India must significantly ramp up its aircraft production. Singh stressed the need to build at least 35-40 military aircraft every year.
Sustaining a long conflict requires not just stockpiles but also the ability to replenish supplies quickly. Singh highlighted the importance of self-sufficiency in wartime production. He emphasised that in a prolonged war, India must depend on a combination of existing reserves and a reliable domestic industry to produce the necessary weapons.
Looking ahead to 2047, Air Chief Marshal Singh predicts that the IAF will have a fleet of advanced aircraft, including Rafale and upgraded Su-30 class jets. The force will also prioritise interoperability with ground, land and maritime forces, enabling seamless communication and data transfer during operations.