New Delhi – India's air defense capability faces a significant challenge, with Air Chief Marshal AP Singh highlighting severe delays in the supply and production of new combat aircraft impacting the Indian Air Force (IAF). Speaking at the annual press conference ahead of Air Force Day, the Chief of Air Staff emphasized the urgent need for immediate induction of 36 to 40 new fighter jets each year.
The IAF's active fighter squadron strength has fallen to 29, considerably below its sanctioned target of 42. This operational gap is projected to widen further by the end of the decade, as three MiG-29 and six Jaguar squadrons are slated for phased retirement.
Production Bottlenecks Hamper Indigenous Efforts
A primary cause of the current shortfall is ongoing delivery schedule slips, particularly concerning the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. State-run defense major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) reportedly has approximately 30 ready airframes. However, supply chain issues, specifically delays in receiving F404 engines from US-based GE Aerospace, have stalled deliveries. Additional hurdles include resolving radar-to-missile integration and completing mandatory software validation.
Future Induction Plans and Foreign Options
To address the critical deficit, the IAF anticipates a combined induction pipeline. HAL aims to increase LCA Mk1A production to 20 jets annually. The proposed Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) procurement scheme could contribute an additional 12 jets per year if contract negotiations are finalized. Furthermore, an acquisition of 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft could add another six jets annually.
Air Chief Marshal Singh also voiced concerns over regional security developments, citing reports of Pakistan potentially acquiring China’s J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter. While assuring that the IAF possesses the necessary operational integration to counter immediate threats, he stressed the importance of expediting India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. Should the AMCA development timeline experience further delays, the IAF may be compelled to explore external foreign fifth-generation fighter options, referencing Russia’s offer of the Su-57 platform.
“We have less numbers, but we are not weak,” Air Chief Marshal Singh affirmed, underscoring that while the air force remains fully capable of carrying out its assigned tasks, fast-tracking production is critical for long-term national security.