Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Tejas Delays Hurt IAF as Fighter Squadron Strength Falls
India’s Air Force has fewer fighter squadrons than its authorised target.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said delays in receiving Tejas Mark-1A planes are making the shortage harder to address.
Reports give the current strength as 29 squadrons, though Singh was also quoted referring to 30.
He said the Air Force needs 36 to 40 new fighter jets each year for the next few years.
The first Tejas planes from an order for 83 were due in March 2024, but none had been delivered when the reports were published.
India is also negotiating to buy 114 Rafale jets from France.
Singh said the Air Force could consider other aircraft if the AMCA fighter programme is delayed, but no decision has been made about Russia’s Su-57 offer.
He also said the Air Force wants to use artificial intelligence while keeping people responsible for critical decisions.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said delayed Tejas Mark-1A deliveries are hurting the Indian Air Force.
Reports put IAF fighter strength at 29 squadrons, while Singh was quoted as saying 30; the authorised target is 42.
Singh said the IAF needs 36–40 fighter jets inducted each year for the next few years.
No Tejas Mark-1A jets had been delivered under the 83-aircraft, Rs 48,000 crore contract, although deliveries were due to begin in March 2024.
India is pursuing a 114-Rafale MRFA deal with France; Singh also discussed possible alternatives if the AMCA programme is delayed.
- Who
- Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Chief of Air Staff, and the Indian Air Force.
- What
- Singh warned that delayed Tejas Mark-1A deliveries are worsening the IAF’s fighter-aircraft shortfall and discussed procurement and modernisation plans.
- When
- At a press conference on Saturday ahead of Air Force Day; reports are dated October 3.
- Where
- New Delhi.
- Why
- The IAF’s fighter-squadron strength is below its authorised target, and Singh said more aircraft are needed to stop the decline and strengthen air power.
- Reported IAF fighter strength
- 29 squadrons in reports; Singh was also quoted referring to 30.
- Authorised fighter strength
- 42 squadrons.
- Annual induction sought
- 36–40 fighter jets for the next few years.
- First Tejas Mark-1A contract
- 83 aircraft for Rs 48,000 crore; signed with HAL in February 2021.
- Initial Tejas delivery target
- March 2024; reports said no aircraft had been delivered at publication.
- Additional Tejas order
- 97 aircraft for Rs 62,370 crore; contracted with HAL in September of the previous year.
- Proposed Rafale purchase
- 114 aircraft under the MRFA programme; negotiations with France were ongoing.
- Potential alternative fighter
- Russia has offered the Su-57; Singh said no decision had been made.
Sources
‘It is going to hurt us’: Air Chief Marshal flags Tejas delays as IAF fighter jet strength falls to 29
Delays in Tejas combat jet programme hurting IAF: Air Chief Marshal A P Singh
'Need 40 jets yearly to stem decline': Air Chief Marshal highlights fighter shortage hurting IAF
