A high-level committee led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has given a thorough report to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh detailing a strategy for improving the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh recently provided Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with a complete report from the authorised committee for capacity upgrading of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
“It was chaired by the defence secretary with the vice-chief of air staff, secretary (defence production), secretary (Department of Defence R and D) and chairman DRDO, DG acquisition as members and deputy chief of air staff as member secretary,” according to the declaration.
This comes after the IAF head underlined the air force’s considerable fighter jet gap, highlighting the necessity to induct 40 fighter jets per year to sustain combat readiness. The paper lays forth a strategy plan for modernising the IAF through technology breakthroughs, force optimisation, and self-sufficiency in military manufacturing.
Key goals include expanding fighter squadrons, purchasing modern platforms like as Rafale and TEJAS planes, and creating next-generation aircraft in partnership with private sector enterprises.
The committee also highlights the integration of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and private firms to boost domestic production and minimise reliance on foreign sources.
The Defence Minister has recommended that these suggestions be implemented as soon as possible in order to boost India’s aerospace capabilities and maintain its national security.
The research highlights the importance of growing self-reliance in the aerospace sector through greater private sector engagement.
The paper emphasises the significance of modernising current fighter aircraft fleets and establishing improved military infrastructure, such as airbases and emergency landing strips.
This comes at a critical time for the IAF, as it confronts substantial operational deficiencies, notably a fighter squadron shortage—currently 30 compared to the allowed strength of 42.5.
The committee’s proposals include short, medium, and long-term approaches to close these disparities. Key areas of concentration include increasing the number of fighter squadrons, introducing new force multipliers such as airborne early warning systems and mid-air refuelers, and improving air defence capabilities with sophisticated missiles.
The IAF is also looking at ways to increase fighter aircraft manufacturing, with plans to induct 35 to 40 fighters per year to overcome the existing gap.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh emphasised the need of these measures, stating that the IAF must quickly induct new aircraft in order to retain combat readiness.
The Air Force is seeking cooperation with global original equipment manufacturers to establish production lines in India, as an alternative to depending primarily on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for fighter aircraft production.
This approach is part of a larger plan to strike a balance between self-reliance and the need for powerful military capabilities, particularly as India confronts threats from surrounding nations and aspires to create domestic fifth-generation stealth aircraft such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
The Defence Ministry has recommended that the committee’s recommendations be executed in a timely manner, emphasising the significance of prompt action to rectify the IAF’s capacity shortfalls.
In addition to correcting current delays, the IAF aims to acquire 97 additional TEJAS MK-1A aircraft at an estimated cost of ₹67,000 crore. The TEJAS MK-1A is a 4.5-generation fighter jet designed to help modernise the IAF’s fleet as part of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” plan.
Over the next decade, the IAF plans to employ around 350 TEJAS variants, including the MK-1, MK-1A, and upgraded MK-2 models. The prompt delivery of these planes is crucial to the IAF’s operational strength, especially as the force faces threats from surrounding countries.
