The Indian Air Force (IAF) intends to modernize its combat aircraft fleet with a combination of domestic and foreign-obtained aircraft.
In light of the IAF’s rapid squadron depletion, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari has advocated for the introduction of new fighter aircraft into the sky guarding force of India.
According to reports, the IAF is reportedly operating with 31 squadrons at this time, whereas “addressing the twin threats of Pakistan and China” requires at least 42 squadrons.
India is rapidly constructing an Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and integrating the domestic TEJAS fighter jet. In the meantime, the IAF has urged the Narendra Moi-led administration to buy 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) to expand its warplane fleet.
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“Although the indigenous fighter development program has the full support of the IAF, its gestation period suggests that there will be a dearth of fighter aircraft in terms of both quantity and technology, given the impending reduction of legacy fleets.” A recent interaction with the media revealed that Chaudhari emphasized the critical nature of MRFA acquisition for the IAF to maintain its competitive advantage.
“To ensure credible deterrence, it is critical to possess domestic capabilities for the development and production of fighter aircraft.” We are, however, cognizant of the fact that initiatives such as AMCA require resources and time to materialize. “As the situation in our hostile neighborhood continues to evolve, our combat assets mustn’t lose any more strength in the interim,” he continued.
At the time of Chaudhari’s remarks, the IAF is exerting every effort to reach a complement of 42 squadrons by 2035. By its modernization objectives, the IAF hopes to possess a minimum of 450 cutting-edge, modern fighters within the next decade or so.
