During the Aero Tech India 2025 event, Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti underscored the urgent need for accelerated indigenisation in India’s defense sector, warning that the transition from concept to operationalisation remains “painfully slow.” He highlighted that achieving strategic autonomy and maintaining a competitive edge in future warfare requires leapfrogging in critical technologies, particularly in secure communications, hypersonics, and advanced aircraft. Bharti reiterated the importance of self-reliance, stating that the nation must produce indigenous capabilities to mitigate risks associated with reliance on foreign suppliers, especially during crises. The recent contract for 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, featuring over 64% indigenous content, exemplifies this commitment to self-sufficiency. He also noted that the Tejas programme could create substantial employment opportunities, projecting a growth in MSMEs within the defense sector. The Air Marshal’s call for innovation and rapid development aligns with India’s broader strategic objective of fostering a robust and self-reliant defense industry, essential for safeguarding national security in an evolving global landscape marked by technological advancements and shifting warfare paradigms.