Archive · 4 Oct 2026
IAF May Look Abroad If AMCA Faces Further Delays
India’s Air Force says it needs many more fighter planes.
Its chief said the force has fewer squadrons than its authorised target, though reports gave slightly different current figures.
Some new Tejas planes have been delayed, and the Air Force says those delays are a problem.
India is also discussing buying 114 Rafale planes from France.
The Air Force wants India’s home-built AMCA fighter programme to move forward.
If that programme or others are delayed, the force may look at foreign planes.
Russia has offered its Su-57, but India has not decided whether to buy it.
The chief also said drones should work alongside the Air Force’s other equipment, not in a separate force.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said the IAF may consider foreign fighter platforms if delays affect the AMCA or other programmes.
Singh said the IAF needs 36 to 40 new fighter aircraft each year; reports differ on its current strength, putting it at around 30 or 29 squadrons.
Singh said delays in Tejas Mk-1A deliveries were significant and hurting the force; he hopes HAL can eventually deliver 24 annually.
Negotiations are under way for 114 Rafale fighters from France, and Singh said a deal could be concluded this financial year if plans proceed.
Russia has offered the Su-57, but no decision has been made; Singh also said drones should be integrated into the IAF rather than form a separate force.
- Who
- Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and the Indian Air Force.
- What
- Singh said the IAF may consider foreign fighter aircraft if AMCA or other programmes are delayed, and described the force’s need for more aircraft.
- When
- Saturday, at the annual press conference ahead of Air Force Day on October 8; the articles do not specify the year.
- Where
- New Delhi.
- Why
- The IAF is below its authorised squadron strength, while delayed aircraft deliveries and reported potential acquisitions by Pakistan have raised concerns.
- Annual fighter requirement
- Singh said the IAF needs 36 to 40 fighter aircraft each year.
- Current squadron strength
- One report says around 30 squadrons; another says 29. Both cite an authorised strength of 42.
- Tejas Mk-1A deliveries
- Singh described the delay as significant and said he hoped HAL would eventually deliver 24 aircraft annually.
- Tejas contract
- A February 2021 contract covered 83 Tejas aircraft and was valued at close to ₹48,000 crore; deliveries were originally scheduled to begin in 2024.
- Proposed Rafale purchase
- Negotiations are under way for 114 Rafale fighters from France; Singh said a deal could be concluded during the current financial year if plans proceed.
- Possible foreign alternative
- Russia has offered the Su-57; Singh said no decision had been made.
- Drone force
- Singh said drones and loitering munitions should be integrated into the IAF’s existing operational structure rather than form a separate force.
