MARCH 4: Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh presented the report of the Empowered Committee for Capability Enhancement of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. This significant development comes as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the operational and strategic capabilities of the IAF to meet the growing demands of modern warfare and defense preparedness. The Empowered Committee, tasked with examining the IAF’s current capabilities and identifying areas for improvement, has carefully outlined a series of key thrust areas in its report. These recommendations span the short, medium, and long-term, focusing on ensuring that the IAF’s enhancement goals are achieved in the most efficient and optimal manner.
The committee’s report highlights a comprehensive approach to achieving enhanced capability, with a special emphasis on boosting indigenous defense production. It underscores the need to further the goal of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in the aerospace domain. To this end, the report stresses the importance of collaboration between the private sector, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). By fostering a synergistic relationship between these entities, the committee believes that India can significantly strengthen its indigenous defense capabilities, reduce dependence on imports, and contribute to the nation’s broader defense self-sufficiency goals.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh appreciated the committee’s work and directed that the recommendations be implemented in a time-bound manner to ensure that progress is tracked and goals are met without delays. He emphasized the urgency of executing these recommendations to maintain India’s defense readiness and security.
The Empowered Committee was formed at the direction of Raksha Mantri to address a holistic view of the IAF’s future needs. Chaired by the Defence Secretary, the committee included prominent members such as the Vice Chief of Air Staff, Secretary of Defence Production, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development, Chairman of DRDO, and DG Acquisition, with the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff acting as the Member Secretary. The committee was tasked with preparing a clear and actionable plan to upgrade and modernize the IAF, ensuring that it remains prepared for the evolving security challenges in the region and beyond.
This initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to strengthening India’s defense infrastructure, making it more self-reliant, and enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces to meet future challenges.
 to Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. This significant development comes as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the operational and strategic capabilities){kind=link}