India needs a strong military, weak defence can leave nations vulnerable to subjugation like Venezuela: IAF chief AP Singh
Speaking at the seminar, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said that military strength ultimately determines a country’s ability to protect itself. He said the absence of a solid force could leave countries vulnerable to subjugation, as seen in cases such as Venezuela and Iraq. While economic, diplomatic and technological capabilities are all important, a strong military is still essential, he said.
Air Chief Marshal Singh said that beyond having military power, the willingness to use it is equally critical. He said excessive restraint without the backing of power risks being perceived as weakness, whereas restraint exercised from a position of strength is seen as a credible capability.
Emphasizing this view, Singh said that you need military force for the freedom to conduct economic activities. There was a period in history when China and India controlled 60 percent of the world’s GDP, but that did not stop them from being captured and colonized.
Referring to recent global and regional developments, he said air power had consistently delivered results when required. He gave a clear signal by giving examples such as evacuations from conflict zones such as Sudan, attacks on terrorist infrastructure and perpetrators, and attacks on many bases in Pakistan in a short time. He said these examples show why greater focus on air power is necessary if India aspires to become a power to reckon with.
The IAF chief said that the world is becoming increasingly chaotic and unpredictable, making it imperative for countries to focus on areas they can influence. He said that under these circumstances, building a strong military, especially a capable Air Force, has become a necessity.
On indigenization and future preparedness, Air Chief Marshal Singh said that while design and development work continues in India, the country needs to take important decisions to strengthen the Make in India programme. He said India needs to acquire critical technologies, develop weapons and platforms needed in the near future, capture next-generation capabilities and enter into strategic partnerships with other countries to develop advanced platforms and weapons similar to the decisions taken for engines of future aircraft.
Paying tribute to Subroto Mukerjee, he said the former air chief laid the foundations of the Indian Air Force at a time of constraints, uncertainties and limited resources. He said Mukerjee’s foresight put the force on the right track and ensured its steady strengthening over time. Air Chief Marshal Singh added that it is operating in a much better environment than its predecessors and resources continue to improve.
