If given a choice, IAF would happily Walk Away from Tejas - Angad Singh - Defence Writer

[Faani83]

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In episode 53 of NDTV's Ctrl Alt Defence podcast, defense analyst and writer Angad Singh discussed the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program:


IAF’s Willingness to Walk Away: Angad stated that in a purely operational context (if isolated from political, bureaucratic, or manufacturing considerations), the Indian Air Force would happily walk away from the LCA program today if it had the choice .He remarked that if it were his decision, he would "go to sleep tonight and sleep the soundest sleep of my life" .


Why the IAF Stays Committed: He explained that the IAF cannot simply walk away because the program isn't just about solving an immediate operational gap—it is a long-term technological and industrial initiative. The Air Force continues to back it because they recognize that long-term indigenous fighter development depends on sustaining this core capability.


Underlying Program Issues: Angad highlighted that the program suffers from serious program management failures, overpromising, and a lack of accountability.

 

[Faani83]

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In episode 53 of NDTV's Ctrl Alt Defence podcast, defense analyst and writer Angad Singh discussed the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program:


IAF’s Willingness to Walk Away: Angad stated that in a purely operational context (if isolated from political, bureaucratic, or manufacturing considerations), the Indian Air Force would happily walk away from the LCA program today if it had the choice .He remarked that if it were his decision, he would "go to sleep tonight and sleep the soundest sleep of my life" .


Why the IAF Stays Committed: He explained that the IAF cannot simply walk away because the program isn't just about solving an immediate operational gap—it is a long-term technological and industrial initiative. The Air Force continues to back it because they recognize that long-term indigenous fighter development depends on sustaining this core capability.


Underlying Program Issues: Angad highlighted that the program suffers from serious program management failures, overpromising, and a lack of accountability.

At 11.18 and 11.46

 

[samsite84]

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In episode 53 of NDTV's Ctrl Alt Defence podcast, defense analyst and writer Angad Singh discussed the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program:


IAF’s Willingness to Walk Away: Angad stated that in a purely operational context (if isolated from political, bureaucratic, or manufacturing considerations), the Indian Air Force would happily walk away from the LCA program today if it had the choice .He remarked that if it were his decision, he would "go to sleep tonight and sleep the soundest sleep of my life" .


Why the IAF Stays Committed: He explained that the IAF cannot simply walk away because the program isn't just about solving an immediate operational gap—it is a long-term technological and industrial initiative. The Air Force continues to back it because they recognize that long-term indigenous fighter development depends on sustaining this core capability.


Underlying Program Issues: Angad highlighted that the program suffers from serious program management failures, overpromising, and a lack of accountability.

100% agree with the perspective. Tejas program is like pushing a rock up the mountain, you have to keep pushing up (for what seems forever) till you reach the top else it doesn't matter how far you pushed.

In current operational context, Tejas doesn't fit in. But I do hope that Tejas will be the same story as growing bamboo (trees grow tall at year 10 and first 9 years is just watering the plant)... India has had experience with it - be it the frigates, destroyers, ISRO, Ballistic program, nuclear program - I am sure we'll figure a way out

 

[Pioneer]

Tejas is a light aircraft, but the Indian government has positioned it as a multi-purpose mainstay fighter jet.

 

[Faani83]

Angad Singh -Also Not Confident about AMCA 24.50

 

[Faani83]

Angad Singh -Also Not Confident about AMCA 24.50

Lack of Confidence: When asked directly if he was confident about AMCA, he bluntly responded "Nope", stating that he has seen nothing to demonstrate that lessons have been learned or implemented from the delays and issues surrounding the LCA (Tejas) program 00-56.