The Indian Air Force needs to induct between 36 and 40 fighter aircraft every year to arrest the decline in its combat squadrons and eventually move towards its authorised strength of 42, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said on Saturday, warning that delays in adding new jets were hurting the force.
Speaking at his annual media briefing ahead of the 94th IAF Day on October 8, Singh said the force needs to induct two fighter squadrons every year. He said the IAF is relying on the LCA Mk-1A, the proposed Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) acquisition and additional Sukhoi-30MKIs to strengthen its fleet, while also stressing the need for fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
IAF seeks faster pace of fighter production
“There is some extra delay this time, and there is no doubt that it is going to hurt us,” Singh said.
He said producing and inducting 36 to 40 aircraft annually would be necessary to prevent the IAF from falling below its current 30 fighter squadrons and eventually help it move towards the target of 42.
“Actually, we need even more than that,” he said.
Singh said the expected induction of different platforms could bring annual deliveries into the required range. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is discussing a production rate of 20 LCA Mk-1As a year, while the MRFA programme could provide around 12 aircraft annually. The IAF also has a contract for 12 Sukhoi-30 aircraft.
“If the MRFA deal goes through, we will get about 12 aircraft per year from that contract. That makes the number around 32. We also have a contract for 12 Su-30 aircraft. Let’s say if six come in one year and six come in another year, so we will be in the region of 35-40 aircraft per year,” Singh said.
He added that the IAF hoped these programmes would proceed as planned and allow it to achieve its intended pace of expansion.
MRFA deal could be finalised by financial year-end
Singh said India could finalise the MRFA contract by the end of the current financial year, provided the process progresses as planned.
The proposed deal involves the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France at an estimated cost of around ₹3.25 lakh crore. India cleared the long-pending proposal in February 2026 under a government-to-government framework with France, while price negotiations and other key issues are currently being worked out.
Under the model being considered, French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation and an Indian partner would manufacture the Rafales in India. France is expected to supply 20 aircraft in fly-away condition, with the remaining jets to be produced domestically.
Singh also indicated that the IAF could consider another fighter platform if there are delays in the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), its planned fifth-generation fighter. He said Russia had offered its Su-57 aircraft, but stressed that no decision had been taken on the proposal.
Tejas Mk-1A induction delayed
The LCA Mk-1A programme has also faced delays, with the aircraft now expected to begin entering IAF service by the end of the year.
The IAF and HAL have said induction is expected to begin by year-end. The aircraft is intended to replace the MiG-21, which retired last year after more than six decades of service.
The IAF has placed two orders covering 180 Mk-1A aircraft, with a combined value of around ₹1.1 lakh crore. The first contract for 83 aircraft was signed in February 2021, followed by a second order for 97 fighters in September 2025.
The first 83 aircraft were ordered with deliveries originally scheduled to begin in March 2024. That deadline was missed amid several issues, including delays by US company GE Aerospace in supplying F404-IN20 engines and delays in obtaining key certifications.
The second contract, signed in September 2025, covers 97 aircraft, including 68 fighters and 29 twin-seaters. The Defence Ministry has said deliveries under that contract are scheduled to begin in 2027-28 and continue for six years. The aircraft are to have more than 64 per cent indigenous content.
Singh has also said the delay in the Mk-1A programme has been significant and that the IAF is looking towards the Mk-2 variant to address existing capability gaps.
The government has separately said HAL is expected to continue expanding its production capability, while the LCA programme remains a major part of India's effort to build domestic aerospace manufacturing capacity.