IAF needs 36-40 jets annually; Pakistan’s fifth-gen jet plan worrying: Air Chief

The Indian Air Force (IAF) requires between 36 and 40 aircraft each year to maintain its fighter squadrons above 30 and work towards the sanctioned strength of 42, stated Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh. In preparation for this, the IAF is developing a robust beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capability through the deployment of indigenous ASTRA and its variants of BVR air-to-air missiles, along with additional foreign missiles offering longer ranges.

Speaking to the media ahead of the 94th Air Force Day on October 8, Air Chief Marshal Singh also addressed concerns regarding Pakistan's pursuit of acquiring China's fifth-generation J-35 stealth fighter jet. While acknowledging the need to counter this threat, he emphasized that the IAF possesses the necessary capabilities to effectively integrate the platforms they are purchasing and inducting.

The IAF is currently focusing on augmenting its BVR capability through the production of three variants - Astra and its Mk2 and Mk3. The Astra BVRAAM is already in production, while the Mk2 variant is mid-way through its R&D, and the Mk3 is in the initial stages of R&D. The IAF is also considering procuring additional batches of Russian R-37M ultra-long-range air-to-air missiles and French Meteor Missiles.