IAF seeks to use a multi-pronged approach to arrest falling fighter strength

The Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, has warned of a critical fighter shortage that is eroding the effectiveness of his organisation. Currently, the IAF possesses 29 fighter squadrons, falling short of the sanctioned strength of 42.5. To address this issue, the force requires the inducting of 36 to 40 new aircraft each year, which equates to the addition of two fighter squadrons annually.

However, production delays, particularly for the Tejas Mark-1A manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, pose significant challenges to this goal. HAL has committed to producing 24 Tejas jets annually, with two production lines in Bengaluru and Nashik, but the process is lagging. The IAF is considering two potential solutions: procuring fifth-generation fighters from abroad if domestic production struggles, or relying on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, which is seen as the sole path to stealth capability.

The IAF also expressed urgency in signing the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft contract, hoping for completion within the current financial year ending March 2027, with the Dassault Rafale being the favoured choice. Additionally, the air force has ruled out the need for a separate command structure for drones, instead viewing them as a complementary asset to manned aircraft.

The IAF's strategy involves leveraging multiple parallel tracks, including accelerating Tejas production, involving private industry in fighter manufacturing, and maintaining a foreign fifth-generation option as a backup.