Archive · 5 Oct 2026
IAF at 94: Ageing Fleet Spurs Calls for Indigenous Engines
The Indian Air Force celebrated 94 years on October 8.
It protects India's airspace and has trained people and many kinds of aircraft.
The article says the force has fewer fighter squadrons than its planned target.
Some of its aircraft have been flying for many decades, which the writer says can make maintenance and spare parts more difficult.
The article also points to newer Tejas and Rafale aircraft.
It says experts may judge a plane by more than its age, since upgrades and maintenance matter too.
The writer believes India needs to build its own powerful engines for fighter planes.
The article calls for the air force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to lead that effort.
The Indian Air Force marked its 94th anniversary on October 8.
The article cites estimates of 28 or 29 fighter squadrons, below the sanctioned strength of 42.
It describes several aircraft types as decades old and says maintaining older aircraft can add operational challenges.
The article also notes the induction of Tejas Mark 1 and Rafale aircraft as newer additions to the fleet.
The writer urges India to develop a powerful indigenous fighter engine, with responsibility shared by the air force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
- Who
- The Indian Air Force and its personnel; the article's author is Abhijit Bhattacharyya.
- What
- The IAF's 94th anniversary prompts an assessment of its fleet and a call for indigenous fighter-engine development.
- When
- October 8, the IAF's 94th anniversary.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- The writer argues that the IAF's fighter fleet is below its sanctioned squadron strength and includes ageing aircraft, making fleet renewal and domestic engine development important.
Reasons for concern
Qualifications and counterpoints
Age of aircraft
Reasons for concern
The writer argues that decades-old aircraft may require more maintenance, logistics, training and spending, and can face more downtime.
Qualifications and counterpoints
The article notes that aircraft age alone does not determine quality or combat performance; upgrades, maintenance and expert operation also matter.
Fleet readiness
Reasons for concern
The article cites an IAF assessment that inventory numbers are inadequate for a two-front air campaign and says the force has fewer squadrons than the sanctioned 42.
Qualifications and counterpoints
The article also describes the IAF as competent and professional, and notes newer Tejas Mark 1 and Rafale aircraft in its fleet.
How to address engine dependence
Reasons for concern
The writer argues that India should pursue a powerful indigenous fighter engine and have the air force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited lead the effort.
Qualifications and counterpoints
The article offers no opposing proposal, but acknowledges that the choices and prospects for building up the fleet are difficult.
- Anniversary
- 94th Indian Air Force Day, October 8
- Sanctioned fighter strength
- 42 squadrons, according to the article
- Reported squadron count
- The article cites estimates of approximately 28 and 29 squadrons from different sources.
- Personnel
- The article cites 151,800 IAF personnel, drawing on Military Balance 2026.
- Aircraft examples
- The article discusses Jaguars, MiG-29s, Mirage 2000H, Su-30MKI, Tejas Mark 1 and Rafale EH.
- Recommended focus
- Develop an indigenous fighter engine, with the Air Chief Marshal and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited assigned joint responsibility.