Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has issued a stern warning to Indian defence manufacturers regarding the critical importance of meeting delivery timelines, highlighting ongoing issues with delays and overstated indigenisation claims. His remarks underscore the urgency for improved coordination between policy makers and the defence establishment, especially as India faces growing threats from adversaries like Pakistan and China. The need for timely and credible military capabilities is paramount, as delays in equipment delivery can compromise operational readiness. The call for self-reliance in defence production must not come at the expense of the armed forces’ preparedness, necessitating a strategic balance between fostering a domestic defence ecosystem and ensuring immediate military readiness.