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Indian Air Force faces fighter shortage amid Tejas delays
Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has warned that significant delays in the induction of new combat aircraft are impacting the force's operational readiness. The IAF is currently operating approximately 29 to 30 fighter squadrons, a notable decline from its sanctioned strength of 42. To arrest this decline, the Chief stated that the force needs to induct between 36 and 40 aircraft annually over the coming years.
A primary concern cited is the prolonged delay in the delivery of the Tejas Mk-1A jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). To address immediate capability gaps, the IAF is looking toward the Tejas Mk-2 and the potential finalization of a major Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal with France. This proposed acquisition of 114 Rafale jets, estimated at approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore, is expected to be finalized by the end of the current financial year if negotiations proceed as planned. The deal aims to expand India's Rafale inventory to 176 aircraft and includes provisions for domestic manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Additionally, the IAF is monitoring the progress of the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. Singh indicated that the force might consider alternative fifth-generation fighter platforms if the AMCA programme faces further delays, noting the presence of advanced aircraft in India's neighborhood. The Chief also emphasized the necessity of achieving self-reliance in defense production, specifically highlighting the need for domestic fighter jet engine manufacturing.
Entities
A P Singh · AP Singh · Dassault Aviation · France · Hindustan Aeronautics Limited · Indian Air Force · Rafale · Russia · Tejas
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 14 SOURCES] The Indian Air Force requires between 36 and 40 aircraft annually over the next few years. bhaskarlive.in · bilkulonline.com · theshillongtimes.com · sanmarg.in · www.indiastrategic.in · +7 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] Price negotiations for the acquisition, estimated at approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore, are currently underway. bhaskarlive.in · bilkulonline.com · theshillongtimes.com · sanmarg.in · www.indiastrategic.in · +2 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Russia has offered Su-57 jets to India, but no decision has been made regarding them. bhaskarlive.in · bilkulonline.com · theshillongtimes.com · www.indiastrategic.in · thefederal.com · +3 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Deliveries of the Tejas fighter jet Mk-1A version have experienced significant delays. www.latestly.com · sanmarg.in · theobserverpost.com · www.millenniumpost.in · www.orissapost.com · +3 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] India may finalize the 114 Rafale fighter jet deal by the end of the current financial year. bhaskarlive.in · bilkulonline.com · theshillongtimes.com · sanmarg.in · www.indiastrategic.in · +2 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The IAF and HAL will hold a final review meeting on the Tejas Mk1A after mid-October to address radar glitches. www.newindianexpress.com · www.news18.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The IAF currently operates approximately 29 fighter squadrons, falling short of its sanctioned strength of 42. theobserverpost.com · sundayguardianlive.com · sanmarg.in · defence.in · www.ssbcrack.com
- [● 8 SOURCES] The IAF may consider alternative fighter platforms if the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme is delayed. theobserverpost.com · bhaskarlive.in · bilkulonline.com · www.indiastrategic.in · newsvibesofindia.com · +3 more