The Indian Air Force (IAF) is experiencing a serious issue in sustaining operational readiness due to the depletion of its fighter squadron strength, which has plummeted to 31 squadrons from the sanctioned 42.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has emphasised the need of tackling this issue, emphasising the necessity for rapid modernisation and growth of India’s aerial capabilities.
Efforts are undertaken to stabilise the manufacturing of indigenous TEJAS planes. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) expects to deliver 12 TEJAS aircraft in 2025, with plans to raise production to 20 aircraft each year thereafter.
Previous delays in TEJAS delivery were attributable to supply chain concerns with General Electric’s F-404 engines, which are currently being addressed.
The IAF’s present number of 31 squadrons is insufficient to satisfy operational requirements, particularly given the possibility of a two-front confrontation with China and Pakistan. The shortfall is compounded by the retirement of older aircraft like as MiG-21s and Jaguars, which lack sufficient replacements.
Even optimistic forecasts indicate that squadron strength may only reach 35-36 by 2035, falling short of the sanctioned aim.
A high-level group led by Defence Secretary Singh has been charged with developing a road plan to overcome capability gaps. This offers suggestions for short-, mid-, and long-term remedies.
The government is looking for other ways to swiftly increase IAF strength, including as foreign purchases and accelerating domestic programs like TEJAS MK-1A, MK-2, and the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program for 114 fighters.
The falling squadron strength jeopardises India’s capacity to undertake prolonged air operations over its enormous territory, especially against rivals with stronger combined fleets.
The emphasis on “Make in India” programs aims to strengthen indigenous aerospace capabilities while reducing dependency on international suppliers.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has various hurdles in expanding its fighter squadron strength to the sanctioned aim of 42 units. These challenges include:
The IAF’s present inventory contains several outdated aircraft, including MiG-21s, Jaguars, and Mirage 2000s, which are being retired without enough replacements. For example, two MiG-21 squadrons will retire by 2025, while 120 Jaguar aircraft will be phased out by 2030, further lowering squadron size.
The manufacturing of indigenous fighter planes such as the TEJAS Mk1A and Mk2 has been slowed owing to supply chain concerns, such as engine deliveries. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has struggled to achieve delivery targets, affecting fleet replenishment.
While the IAF intends to purchase 114 multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) from foreign manufacturers, the procurement procedure is protracted, with no contracts yet finalised. Furthermore, geopolitical considerations like as the Ukraine-Russia war have slowed the acquisition of MiG-29s and Su-30MKIs from Russia.
The IAF lacks sufficient force multipliers, such as mid-air refuelling tankers and airborne early-warning systems (AEW&C), which are critical for increasing operational efficiency. It now runs just six IL-78 tankers and three Phalcon AWACS, which is substantially below the required number.
India falls behind opponents such as China in terms of fighter aircraft production speed and innovative technology. This technology gap hampers the timely introduction of new platforms such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Although the IAF nominally has 31 squadrons, serviceability concerns and spare component shortages mean that not all aircraft are combat fit at all times. This further diminishes the effective operational strength.
To handle future confrontations with Pakistan and China at the same time, the IAF requires at least 42 squadrons. However, even optimistic forecasts indicate that squadron strength will only reach 35-36 by the mid-2030s. Addressing these difficulties needs a multifaceted approach that includes accelerating domestic manufacturing, finalising overseas acquisitions, and improving support infrastructure for force multipliers.
The TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is crucial in solving the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) squadron deficit due to its indigenous design, operational capability, and long-term prospects. Here are the main ways TEJAS contributes:
The IAF has already operationalised two squadrons of TEJAS MK-1 aircraft, which are actively deployed in operational duties and have taken part in international exercises such as Tarang Shakti. These aircraft give quick assistance by replacing retiring platforms like MiG-21s, hence stabilising squadron numbers.
The IAF has contracted 83 TEJAS MK-1A fighters, with deliveries beginning in February 2024. An further 97 MK-1A aircraft are being procured, increasing the total intended fleet to 220. These purchases are intended to fill the void created by retiring older aircraft such as the MiG-21, MiG-23, and Jaguars.
The TEJAS MK-2 is being developed as a multi-role combat aircraft that will replace platforms like as the Mirage-2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar. It will have sophisticated features including greater thrust engines, electronic warfare suites, and increased maintainability. Future TEJAS versions, in addition to the AMCA, are projected to form the backbone of the IAF fleet.
As part of India’s “Make in India” effort, TEJAS enhances indigenous aerospace capabilities while reducing dependency on international suppliers. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been charged with increasing output to fulfil delivery schedules.
TEJAS is critical in resolving the IAF’s fighter gap; its efficacy is dependent on overcoming manufacturing delays and guaranteeing the timely introduction of upgraded versions.
The IAF’s shrinking squadron strength raises serious national security concerns. While attempts to stabilise TEJAS production and seek alternate alternatives are underway, attaining the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons would need ongoing investment, faster procurement processes, and strong policy implementation.
