Archive · 3 Oct 2026
IAF Chief Warns Delays and Falling Squadrons Could Hurt
India’s air force has fewer fighter squadrons as older planes are retired.
Its chief, AP Singh, warned that delays in getting replacement aircraft could make the gap worse.
He said the force needs replacements at a pace equivalent to almost two squadrons each year just to stop the decline.
New aircraft programmes, including Tejas models and a planned multi-role fighter purchase, are expected to help.
Singh said India could consider other choices for a stealth fighter if the AMCA programme is delayed, but no decision has been made.
He also said drones should be used as part of the air force rather than by a separate drone force.
He described drones as useful but not a revolution for the service.
The briefing also covered India’s disaster-relief work and an international air exercise.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said fighter squadron numbers are falling after the MiG-21 fleet retired last year.
Singh said the force needs replacements equivalent to almost two squadrons a year just to halt the decline.
He cited delays to the Tejas Mark 1A and named the MRFA, Tejas Mark 2 and AMCA programmes as efforts to address the shortfall.
Singh said India may consider other options, including Russia’s Su-57, if the AMCA programme is delayed; no decision has been made.
He opposed creating a standalone drone force and said unmanned systems should be integrated into the existing air force setup.
- Who
- Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, chief of the Indian Air Force.
- What
- He warned that falling fighter squadron numbers and delays in aircraft programmes could leave the air force exposed.
- When
- At his annual press conference; the article does not give a date.
- Where
- Delhi, India.
- Why
- Retirements and delayed aircraft programmes are reducing the force’s fighter squadron numbers, while adversaries are acquiring fifth-generation aircraft.
- Fighter replacement pace cited
- Equivalent of almost two squadrons a year to stop the decline.
- Recent fleet retirement
- The MiG-21 fleet retired last year.
- Programmes named
- Tejas Mark 1A, MRFA, Tejas Mark 2 and AMCA.
- MRFA timing
- Singh said a contract could be signed in the current financial year if things go well.
- Possible stealth-fighter alternative
- Russia has offered the Su-57; Singh said no decision has been taken.
- Drone-force position
- Singh said drones should be part of the existing air force setup, not a standalone force.
- Tarang Shakti
- Singh said the exercise aimed to build interoperability and shared procedures.