Archive · 3 Oct 2026
IAF Seeks Faster Jet Inductions, Flags Pakistan’s Fifth-Generation Plans
India’s Air Force wants to add many more fighter jets each year.
Its chief says this would help keep the number of fighter groups from falling and move toward the force’s planned size.
The pace depends on aircraft deliveries and contracts going ahead.
The Air Force expects to use several kinds of jets, including Indian-made aircraft and French Rafales.
Its chief is concerned about reports that Pakistan may get a Chinese stealth fighter.
He says India’s ability to connect its aircraft and other systems matters, not just the planes themselves.
India is also working on missiles that can hit targets from far away.
Some of those missiles are still being researched and developed.
The chief also said the Air Force does not need a separate force just for drones.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said the IAF needs 36–40 new aircraft annually to avoid further decline in fighter squadron strength and move toward its sanctioned strength of 42.
He said annual inductions could reach about 30–35, or potentially 35–40, if planned aircraft deliveries and contracts proceed.
The IAF plans a mix of LCA Tejas variants, Rafale jets and the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
Singh called reports of Pakistan seeking China’s J-35 stealth fighter a concern, while saying integrated Indian capabilities could counter the threat for now.
The IAF is developing ASTRA missile variants and seeking additional longer-range foreign missiles to strengthen its beyond-visual-range capability.
- Who
- Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh.
- What
- He outlined the IAF’s aircraft acquisition needs, missile plans and concerns about Pakistan’s reported fifth-generation fighter plans.
- When
- Saturday; the remarks came ahead of the 94th Air Force Day, scheduled for October 8.
- Where
- At a media briefing in India; the article does not specify the location.
- Why
- The IAF seeks to prevent its fighter squadron strength from falling below 30 and move toward its sanctioned strength of 42.
Threat assessment
Response and capability
Pakistan’s reported J-35 plans
Threat assessment
Singh said reports that Pakistan is moving to acquire China’s J-35 stealth fighter are a cause for worry.
Response and capability
He said the aircraft alone would not determine the outcome and that India has capabilities to counter the threat through effective integration of its systems, at least until Pakistan fully integrates the new aircraft.
Fifth-generation aircraft options
Threat assessment
Singh said India should consider the need for a fifth-generation aircraft if its adversaries are acquiring one, and urged progress on the AMCA programme.
Response and capability
He said the Russian Su-57 has been offered, but no decision has been made; he also called for alternative decisions if the AMCA is delayed.
- Annual aircraft need
- 36–40 aircraft, according to the Air Chief.
- Sanctioned fighter squadron strength
- 42 squadrons.
- Possible annual induction pace
- Around 30–35 aircraft, potentially rising to 35–40 if plans proceed.
- Proposed MRFA acquisition
- 114 Rafale jets, with the article describing about 12 deliveries annually.
- ASTRA Mk 1 range
- 80–110 km.
- ASTRA Mk 2 range
- About 200 km.
- Potential ASTRA Mk 3 range
- Over 350 km.