IAF Chief Flags Tejas Delays and Fighter Squadron Shortfall

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has warned that inordinate delays in the induction of Tejas combat aircraft are negatively impacting the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a time when air power is critical to national security. Speaking ahead of Air Force Day, the Air Chief Marshal highlighted that the IAF's fighter squadron strength has declined to 29, significantly below the sanctioned level of 42. To address this gap, the force requires the induction of 36 to 40 fighter jets annually over the coming years.

For IAF Annual Fighter Induction Target, Air Chief Marshal Singh stated that the Indian Air Force needs at least 36 to 40 aircraft annually in the next few years.

Supply Delays and Procurement Targets

The IAF chief expressed concern over the lack of deliveries for the Tejas Mark-1A jets. Under a February 2021 contract worth ₹48,000 crore, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was scheduled to deliver the first set of 83 aircraft by March 2024, yet no jets have been supplied to date. A subsequent deal signed in September 2025 for an additional 97 Tejas MK-1A jets remains in the pipeline. Air Chief Marshal Singh emphasized that the force is also looking toward the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, with hopes to finalize the procurement of 114 Rafale jets within the current financial year, pending ongoing negotiations with the French side.

According to The New Indian Express, India approved a proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from France nearly two decades after the combat capability enhancement plan began. For MRFA Rafale Acquisition Program, India cleared a government-to-government procurement proposal in February 2026 to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, with price negotiations currently underway.

Modernization and Strategic Outlook

Beyond the Tejas and MRFA programmes, the IAF is monitoring the progress of the Tejas Mark 2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The Air Chief Marshal noted that if the AMCA programme faces delays, the force may need to explore alternative platforms, acknowledging that Russia has offered its Su-57 jets, though no decision has been reached. Regarding the proposed theaterisation plan, he indicated that discussions have shifted following insights gained during Operation Sindoor, and the government will determine the structure and sequencing of the new joint command model. He further stressed the necessity of domestic fighter engine production and the integration of artificial intelligence into the force, while maintaining that critical operational decisions must remain human-led.

For IAF Fifth-Generation Fighter Contingency, Air Chief Marshal Singh stated the IAF will consider alternative foreign platforms if the indigenous AMCA program stalls, noting that Russia has formally pitched its Su-57 fighter.