Overview

• Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said the importance of human operators will not fade in warfare during a press conference ahead of the Indian Air Force Day in New Delhi on October 3.
• He stated that unmanned systems will expand in role but must collaborate with or be directed by humans, preserving the relevance of fighter aircraft.
• Citing global programs such as Sixth Generation efforts and NGAD, he noted that leading next‑generation combat aircraft are currently manned.
• Singh rejected Elon Musk’s prediction that drones will replace pilots, calling Musk a businessman whose view aligns with his commercial interests.
• He dismissed Pakistan’s claims of shooting down Indian jets during Operation Sindoor as fanciful stories and said no evidence supports the narrative.