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IAF Needs 40 Aircraft Annually, May Seek Alternatives if AMCA Delayed: Chief
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CNBC TV18•03-10-2026, 22:16
IAF Needs 40 Aircraft Annually, May Seek Alternatives if AMCA Delayed: Chief
- •The Indian Air Force requires 36-40 aircraft annually to stabilize its squadron strength and reach the authorized 42.5 squadrons.
- •IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh stated that if indigenous programs like AMCA face delays, India will consider alternatives, especially given adversaries' fifth-gen platforms.
- •The IAF is currently operating at 29 fighter squadrons, significantly below its authorized strength, partly due to delays in indigenous platforms like the LCA Tejas Mk1-A.
- •Future procurements, including Tejas Mk1-A, Tejas Mk2, MRFAs, and AMCA, are hoped to fill existing gaps, with the first full Mk1-A Squadron expected by year-end.
- •The IAF Chief emphasized the need for timely fifth-generation aircraft, hinting at foreign options like the Russian Su-57 if the AMCA program experiences delays, to counter growing threats from China and Pakistan.
Key Questions Answered
The Indian Air Force needs to induct almost two aircraft squadrons annually, translating to around 36 to 40 aircraft produced and inducted each year to stop its numbers from declining and work toward the target of 42 squadrons.
Following the retirement of its MiG-21s in September 2025, the IAF operates at 29 fighter squadrons, which is significantly below its authorised strength of 42.5.
The Defence Secretary has set a target of September 2028 for the first prototype flight of India's indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program.
