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Tejas Delays Hurt IAF as Fighter Squadrons Fall to 29
The Indian Air Force has fewer fighter squadrons than its approved target.
Its chief, A P Singh, said delays in getting Tejas Mark-1A planes are making the problem worse.
The first of 83 planes ordered from HAL was due in March 2024, but none had been delivered at the time of the report.
Singh said the force needs 36 to 40 new fighter jets each year for the next few years.
India is also negotiating to buy 114 Rafale jets from France.
The Air Force is considering other future aircraft, and Singh said it may look at another option if the AMCA programme is delayed.
The military is also reviewing plans to bring the Army, Navy and Air Force closer together in theatre commands.
Singh said the force needs AI support, while people should continue making important decisions, and India should develop a fighter-jet engine domestically.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said delays in Tejas Mark-1A deliveries are hurting the Indian Air Force.
The IAF has 29 fighter squadrons, below its sanctioned strength of 42, and Singh said it needs 36–40 new fighters annually for the next few years.
HAL has not delivered any of the 83 Tejas Mark-1A jets contracted in 2021, whose first deliveries were due in March 2024.
India is negotiating a proposed purchase of 114 Rafale jets from France and hopes to finalise the MRFA deal during the current financial year.
Singh said the IAF is reviewing theatre-command plans after Operation Sindoor and wants AI-augmented capabilities and domestic fighter-engine production.
- Who
- Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and the Indian Air Force.
- What
- Singh warned that delayed Tejas Mark-1A deliveries are worsening the IAF's fighter-aircraft shortfall and discussed planned aircraft acquisitions and modernisation.
- Where
- New Delhi.
- When
- At a press conference ahead of Air Force Day; the report is dated October 3.
- Why
- The IAF has 29 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42 and needs more aircraft to strengthen its air power.
IAF priorities and concerns
Procurement and government decisions
Fighter aircraft procurement
IAF priorities and concerns
Singh said Tejas delays are hurting the IAF and that it needs 36–40 fighter jets annually for the next few years.
Procurement and government decisions
HAL had contracts for Tejas aircraft, while India and France were still negotiating the proposed Rafale deal; no opposing position was reported.
Theatre-command structure
IAF priorities and concerns
Singh said the IAF is not against theatre commands and that discussions have shifted following experience from Operation Sindoor.
Procurement and government decisions
The government will decide the organisation, sequence and pace of implementation; the articles report no stated disagreement over a specific option.
Key facts
- Current IAF fighter squadrons
- 29
- Sanctioned fighter squadron strength
- 42
- Annual fighter induction sought
- 36–40 aircraft for the next few years
- First Tejas Mark-1A order
- 83 aircraft; Rs 48,000 crore contract with HAL signed in February 2021
- Initial Tejas delivery target
- March 2024; no aircraft from that order had been supplied at the time of the report
- Additional Tejas Mark-1A order
- 97 aircraft; Rs 62,370 crore contract with HAL signed in September of the previous year
- Proposed Rafale acquisition
- 114 aircraft under the MRFA programme; negotiations with France were ongoing
- Possible MRFA deal timing
- Singh hoped it could be signed in the current financial year, if negotiations went well
Quotes
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh
Chief of the Indian Air Staff
“I have made it clear that the Indian Air Force is not against theatre commands. We have been working towards it, and we have been a part of discussions throughout.”
telegraphindia.com
“I think if things go well, we should be able to sign it (MRFA deal) in this financial year. That's what my hope is. But it is a two-way process.”
telegraphindia.com
theprint.in
Sources
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