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The 5 Major Strategic Shifts Under Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh: India’s Air Force Roadmap To 2047

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently undergoing one of its most profound strategic transformations in history, a shift spearheaded by its 28th and current Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. As of today, December 22, 2025, the focus is squarely on achieving complete self-reliance and transforming the IAF into an agile, adaptive, and 'future-ready' aerospace power capable of dominating the multi-domain battlespace. This article delves into the comprehensive profile of the current Air Chief and the five non-negotiable strategic pillars defining the IAF's path from now until the centenary of India's independence in 2047.

Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh’s tenure, which began in late 2024, marks a pivotal moment where the IAF is moving beyond simple hardware acquisitions to a holistic, indigenous capability development model. His vision is not just about maintaining air superiority but fundamentally reshaping the force's operational philosophy to meet the complex, evolving security challenges of the Indo-Pacific region. This roadmap is a clear signal of India's intent to become a net security provider and a global leader in military aviation technology.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh: A Comprehensive Biography and Distinguished Career

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, PVSM, AVSM, currently holds the highest active rank in the Indian Air Force as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS). His career is distinguished by deep operational experience, technical expertise, and a commitment to indigenous defense development. He formally assumed the charge of the Indian Air Force on the afternoon of September 30, 2024, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari.

  • Name: Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh
  • Rank: Air Chief Marshal (ACM)
  • Appointment: 28th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS)
  • Date of Commissioning: December 21, 1984
  • Stream: Fighter Pilot Stream
  • Previous Key Roles: Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS), Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Central Air Command.
  • Specialization: He is a highly accomplished Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) and an Experimental Test Pilot. His extensive flying experience includes over 5,000 hours on various aircraft.
  • Operational Command: Commanded a frontline fighter squadron and a key air base, giving him crucial insights into operational logistics and readiness.
  • Decorations: Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his distinguished service of the highest order.
  • Education: An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC).

His background as an Experimental Test Pilot is particularly significant, as it provides him with a unique, hands-on understanding of aircraft modernization and indigenous design projects, a key pillar of his strategic vision for the IAF.

The Ambitious Roadmap: Targeting Full Indigenous Inventory by 2047

In his first major press briefing as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Singh outlined an ambitious and transformative roadmap: the goal of achieving a complete indigenous inventory by the year 2047. This vision is the ultimate expression of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative within the defense sector, aiming to eliminate dependence on foreign suppliers for critical military hardware.

The Phased Approach to Self-Reliance

The path to full indigenization is structured around a multi-decade, phased approach focusing on both design and manufacturing capabilities:

  • Design and Development: A massive push for the development of cutting-edge, next-generation platforms entirely within India. This includes the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and new variants of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
  • Technology Transfer: Selective partnerships with foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are being leveraged, but strictly with a focus on deep technology transfer to build domestic capacity.
  • Maintenance and Spares: A major priority is the indigenization of spares and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for existing foreign-origin fleets like the Rafale and Sukhoi Su-30MKI, reducing operational vulnerabilities.
  • Ecosystem Development: Cultivating a robust ecosystem involving Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private sector defense companies, and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) to ensure a resilient supply chain.

This long-term goal requires significant investment in Research and Development (R&D) and a fundamental shift in the procurement process to favor domestic solutions, even if they require longer gestation periods. The IAF views this as an investment in strategic autonomy and enhanced capability development.

5 Immediate Priorities Shaping the 'Future-Ready' IAF Today

While the 2047 vision provides the long-term direction, Air Chief Marshal Singh has mandated several immediate, high-impact priorities to ensure the IAF remains combat-ready and agile against contemporary threats. These initiatives are the core of the IAF's transformation into a 'future-ready' force.

1. Rapid Induction and Fleet Modernization

The most immediate priority is the rapid induction of new systems to counter the depleting squadron strength and maintain a decisive edge. This includes:

  • Accelerated procurement of additional LCA Tejas Mk1A fighters.
  • Finalizing the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) acquisition to bridge the capability gap.
  • Upgrading the existing fleet of Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Jaguar aircraft with advanced avionics, electronic warfare (EW) suites, and new indigenous weapons.

2. Multi-Domain and Space-Based Warfare Capabilities

The nature of warfare is changing, moving beyond the traditional air domain. The CAS has emphasized the need to integrate air, space, and cyber capabilities into a cohesive fighting force. This involves:

  • Developing sophisticated network-centric warfare capabilities for real-time situational awareness.
  • Investing heavily in counter-space capabilities and dedicated space-based assets for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).
  • Strengthening the cyber defense and offense infrastructure to protect critical IAF networks.

3. Integrated Air Defence System (IADS)

Establishing an impenetrable Integrated Air Defence System remains a cornerstone of India's air power strategy. This involves the seamless integration of various air defense assets, including the S-400 missile systems, Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems, and indigenous Akash missile systems. The goal is a unified command and control structure that can manage threats across all altitudes and ranges.

4. Focus on Unmanned and Autonomous Systems (UAS)

Acknowledging the global shift towards unmanned platforms, the IAF is prioritizing the development and induction of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). This includes:

  • Acquisition of High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) and Medium-Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones.
  • Developing Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) technology, where manned fighters (like Tejas) operate alongside unmanned wingmen.
  • Investing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for decision-making and operational efficiency.

5. Human Capital and Jointness

Air Chief Marshal Singh has stressed that technology is only as good as the personnel operating it. A significant focus is on enhancing the training curriculum to create 'multi-skilled' warriors capable of operating in a complex, digitized environment. Furthermore, he is a strong proponent of 'Jointness'—the integration and synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force—to ensure a unified response to any national security challenge. This is a critical element in the overall theatre command structure currently being implemented across the Indian Armed Forces.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh’s leadership is defined by a clear, long-term vision for self-reliance and a pragmatic, immediate focus on capability development. His tenure is set to be a period of intense modernization and strategic evolution, ensuring the Indian Air Force remains a dominant regional air power and a credible deterrent on the global stage.

air chief of indian air force
air chief of indian air force

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