Indian Air Force Needs 36-40 New Fighter Jets Every Year as Squadron Strength Falls, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh Says

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Rafia Tasleem | October 4, 2026 | 03:58 PM IST | Breaking News, India | Follow on Google News

Indian Air Force Needs 36-40 New Fighter Jets Every Year as Squadron Strength Falls, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh Says

NEW DELHI, October 4, 2026 [VoM News]: In an interview with PTI, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said that the Indian Air Force’s dwindling combat strength due to delays in inducting new fighter aircraft, including the indigenous Tejas Mk-1A, was hurting the force as the importance of air power would only keep growing.

The IAF should bring in about two fighter squadrons, which equates to 36 to 40 aircraft, annually to prevent the fleet from falling below its current strength of about 30 and set the course towards the sanctioned strength of 42, Singh said at a press conference before the 94th Air Force Day. Singh said there is “some extra delay” and there is no doubt it is going to hurt us” with regard to the delayed delivery of Tejas Mk-1A aircraft.

The Defence Ministry had inked a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in February 2021 for 83 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft whose value is estimated at Rs 48,000 crore. The programme was initially planned to start in March 2024 but has been beset with delays.

The government then inked another Rs 62,370 crore deal with HAL for the procurement of 97 more Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft. The IAF is seeking the Tejas Mk-1A, Tejas Mk-2 and the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft programme and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme to revitalise and upgrade its fleet of fighters, Singh said.

In response to the proposed deal for 114 Rafale fighter aircraft, the Air Chief expressed his hope that a deal could be done during the current financial year if talks with France move forward. “My expectation is that if we’re successful, it’ll be signed in this financial year but it’s a two-way process, I think.”

The IAF chief also voiced concerns over the development of a fifth generation fighter that it is believed the Indian Air Force has been working on with China, calling it a “cause for worry”, and reiterated that India has a number of capabilities and shouldn’t judge its readiness based on one platform.

In case there are major delays in the indigenous fifth-generation AMCA programme, India will have to look at alternative fighter options, Singh said. Russia has put forward its proposal on the Su-57 fighter, he said, adding that India has yet to make a final decision.

The Air Chief also talked about the planned theatreisation of the Indian Armed Forces, pointing out that the IAF was not against having theatre commands. After learning lessons from Operation Sindoor, the discussions took a “slightly different direction,” he said. Theaterisation aims to bring together capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force in a single joint command for specific geographical zones and operational needs.

The IAF should turn into an “AI-augmented force”, but critical decisions should still be taken by human beings, Singh said when it comes to emerging technologies. He also highlighted the need for the development of a locally made fighter aircraft engine to boost the defence manufacturing capability of the country. Singh, when asked if the IAF was considering forming a drone wing, denied it.

Drones and loitering munitions should not be operated as a unit of their own, but rather as part of an integrated combat system alongside conventional aircraft and other weapons, he said.

The Air Chief’s comments reflect the immediate challenge before the IAF to keep its fleet of fighters at an adequate strength and at the same time move towards newer indigenous and imported combat aircraft.

Rafia Tasleem

Rafia Tasleem is a seasoned journalist from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, recognized for her expertise in content writing, investigative research, fact-based reporting, strategic media planning, presentation and lot more. With experience working for both national and international news organizations, she brings a deep understanding of media dynamics. Holding a Master’s in Communication and Media Studies from Aligarh Muslim University, she has been contributing to VoM News for the past two years. For inquiries, contact rafiatasleem@seashell-clam-300365.hostingersite.com.