Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the Chief of the Air Staff, has urged for a swift enhancement of the armed forces’ capabilities to tackle emerging security challenges amid the evolving geo-strategic landscape, according to a statement from the defence ministry on Wednesday (February 12).
The Indian Air Force, the world’s fourth-largest air force, is currently grappling with a significant shortage of fighter aircraft. With only 31 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, the force faces a capability gap that raises concerns about its combat readiness amid rising regional tensions. The recent statement by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges, calling for rapid capability enhancement to counter evolving security threats.
As geopolitical tensions with China and Pakistan remain high and airpower becomes a decisive factor in modern warfare, India must act swiftly to bolster its aerial combat strength. The situation demands a multi-pronged approach that includes new fighter jet procurements, upgrades to existing platforms, greater private sector participation, and faster modernization initiatives. However, significant obstacles remain, including budgetary constraints, procurement delays, and supply chain vulnerabilities.
India’s fighter jet shortage has been a growing concern for over a decade. The fleet has shrunk considerably due to the phased retirement of aging aircraft such as the MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27, while replacements have not arrived at the same pace. With more aircraft, including older Jaguars and MiG-29s, set to be phased out over the next decade, the fighter jet deficit could deepen further if urgent measures are not taken. A parliamentary panel report from December 2024 raised alarms, noting that the IAF’s squadron strength is below the minimum required to counter threats from China and Pakistan simultaneously. This situation is particularly concerning given China’s rapid military expansion, including its fifth-generation fighter programs, advanced air defense systems, and growing aerial strike capabilities. The IAF’s internal assessment highlights that India must induct two squadrons annually, or about 35-40 fighters per year, to maintain combat strength and offset aircraft retirements. However, procurement processes remain slow and bureaucratic, further exacerbating the issue.
To counter this shortfall, India is pursuing multiple procurement programs. The Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft program aims to acquire 114 advanced jets through a global tender, with contenders including Dassault Rafale, Boeing F-15EX, Lockheed Martin F-21, Saab Gripen E, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57. This acquisition is expected to modernize the fleet and counter China’s growing air superiority. Additionally, the indigenous Tejas program, developed by HAL, is central to India’s self-reliance push. The IAF has ordered 83 Tejas Mk1A jets, with deliveries expected to start in 2025. However, the slow rollout has raised concerns about meeting operational requirements. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, India’s stealth fighter project, is still in the early development phase and unlikely to be available before 2030. In the meantime, India is also upgrading its existing fleets. The Super Sukhoi program aims to modernize Su-30MKI jets with advanced radars, avionics, and electronic warfare capabilities, extending their operational relevance for decades. Other legacy aircraft like Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and Jaguars are also undergoing upgrades to ensure combat effectiveness.
Despite these efforts, procurement delays remain a recurring issue. The HAL-led Tejas production has faced repeated delays, in part due to supply chain disruptions involving General Electric engines. The government’s over-reliance on state-run enterprises like HAL has often led to inefficiencies and slow progress in meeting the air force’s needs. Recognizing the urgency of modernization, the defense ministry has declared 2025 the “Year of Reforms” to streamline acquisitions, enhance joint warfare capabilities, and increase private sector participation. India is actively pushing for private sector involvement in defense manufacturing to boost efficiency and production speed. A government-appointed defense committee has recommended integrating private companies into military aircraft production to reduce dependency on HAL. The Tata-Airbus joint venture in Gujarat for manufacturing C-295 transport aircraft is a promising model for future collaborations. Increasing private sector participation in aircraft development could not only improve efficiency but also foster innovation and cost reductions.
Additionally, the government is working to simplify procurement procedures to avoid the bureaucratic delays that have historically slowed defense acquisitions. There is also a strong push to implement integrated theater commands, ensuring better coordination and strategic deployment of resources. The proposed theaterization model envisions a China-centric northern theater command, a Pakistan-focused western theater command, and a maritime theater command. These structural changes aim to enhance joint operations and combat effectiveness. While these measures are steps in the right direction, implementation challenges remain. Previous modernization plans have often struggled due to bureaucratic inefficiencies, budgetary limitations, and execution delays.
The financial aspect of modernizing an air force as large as India’s presents another hurdle. The 2024-25 defense budget allocated approximately $19.5 billion for capital acquisitions, but much of this amount is already committed to ongoing projects such as the Rafale acquisition, the S-400 air defense system, and Tejas production. The cost of acquiring 114 new fighter jets alone is projected to exceed $20 billion, raising concerns about funding availability. One potential solution could be multi-year procurement planning, where costs are spread over an extended period to ease budgetary pressures. Another approach could involve greater foreign direct investment and technology transfer agreements, allowing India to co-produce advanced fighter jets rather than relying solely on imports.
Modernizing the IAF is not just about increasing the number of aircraft but also about maintaining a strategic edge in a highly volatile security environment. China’s rapid military modernization has resulted in the deployment of fifth-generation J-20 stealth fighters and significant advancements in air defense systems. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force is also expanding its network of air bases along the Indian border, improving its operational reach and response times. India must counter this by ensuring its air force remains technologically competitive. The modernization effort also has global implications. As a key member of the QUAD security alliance alongside the US, Japan, and Australia, India must enhance interoperability with its partners. Joint military exercises, technological collaborations, and intelligence-sharing agreements will be crucial in strengthening India’s position in the Indo-Pacific region.
Another major factor in long-term security is reducing dependency on foreign aircraft by investing in indigenous fighter jet programs. India has historically relied on foreign platforms like the Sukhoi-30MKI, Mirage 2000, and Rafale, but developing advanced jets domestically will ensure strategic independence. Investments in indigenous engine technology, stealth capabilities, and advanced avionics are essential for achieving this goal. The IAF’s modernization efforts are now at a critical juncture. Addressing the fighter jet shortfall requires a decisive combination of fast-tracked acquisitions, stronger defense-industrial partnerships, and robust strategic planning. While the government’s push for reforms, indigenous development, and private sector involvement is promising, execution remains the biggest challenge. India must ensure that procurement timelines are met, production inefficiencies are addressed, and modernization plans align with evolving security threats. If successful, these efforts will not only bridge the fighter jet gap but also position the IAF as a technologically advanced, combat-ready force capable of safeguarding India’s national interests in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
