In a pivotal update to its long-term strategic planning, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced a substantial adjustment to its target for fighter jet strength, now aspiring to exceed the historically established benchmark of 42 squadrons. This shift comes in response to the increasingly aggressive military posture of China and the looming possibility of a two-front conflict, which renders the previous goal inadequate.
Senior defense sources have suggested that this revised objective could elevate the IAF’s authorized fighter fleet to beyond 1,000 aircraft, representing a significant advancement in India’s air power strategy. Currently, the operational strength of the IAF is set to fall to just 29 squadrons this month, attributed to the phased retirement of its last MiG-21 jets. This adjustment leaves the force with an inventory of approximately 464 to 522 fighters—over 250 units short of the old 42-squadron target and falling short of the newly revised requirement.
The current operational composition consists of 12 squadrons of Sukhoi-30MKI, three of Mirage-2000, two each of Rafale and Tejas, in addition to legacy Jaguar and MiG-29 squadrons. In stark contrast, neighboring China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) boasts a fleet of over 2,000 frontline fighters, while Pakistan operates close to 500, presenting a significant military challenge to India.
Challenges such as procurement delays and slow indigenous production have been exacerbating the capability gap faced by the IAF. The indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft is envisioned as a key component in bridging this gap, although production has not kept pace with the aggressive timelines laid out for procurement. A total of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets have been contracted, along with approval for 120 Tejas Mk-2 aircraft. Additionally, efforts are underway on the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, which aims to produce 126 stealth fighters.
Amid these developments, the urgent pursuit of the 114-aircraft Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program is also underway. The French Rafale is perceived as the leading contender due to factors including existing operational experience, compatibility with current infrastructure, and expedited induction timelines. The Indian Navy’s ongoing acquisition of Rafale-M jets further enhances inter-service operational synergy.
Defense strategists underscore that the IAF’s operational doctrine is shifting considerably from a Pakistan-centric focus to one that is increasingly reflective of the technological advancements and superior scale of capabilities exhibited by China. This new direction necessitates not only an increase in fighter squadrons but also the integration of modern, networked platforms, accelerated production rates, and streamlined acquisition processes.
As the PLAAF continues to expand its reach and Pakistan modernizes its air fleet, defense officials caution that India is faced with a shrinking timeframe within which it must address the existing fighter gap. The forthcoming decade is characterized as critical in shaping the IAF’s combat readiness and overall effectiveness in the region.
