# Indian Air Force fighter fleet modernization

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indian-air-force-fighter-fleet-modernization
> Updated: 2026-10-12T18:52:11.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is addressing a critical shortage of fighter aircraft, currently operating approximately 29 squadrons against an authorized strength of 42. This deficit is driven by the retirement of aging fleets, such as the MiG-21, Jaguar, and MiG-29, and delays in the indigenous Tejas MK-1A program caused by global supply chain issues.

To mitigate this decline in combat capacity, the IAF has outlined a modernization roadmap prioritizing the acquisition of fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters. A primary focus is the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, which aims to procure 114 new jets, potentially through local production of Rafale jets in partnership with France. 

Other modernization efforts include the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme to acquire up to 60 aircraft, as well as upgrades to the rotary-wing fleet. While the IAF is exploring various platforms, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh clarified that there is currently no formal offer from the United States for F-35 fighter jets, though Russia has offered Su-57 jets.

## Claims

- The Indian Air Force aims to sign a deal for 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) by the end of the current fiscal year. (single source)
- Russia has offered Su-57 fighter jets to India, but no decision has been made regarding the offer. (single source)
- There is currently no formal offer from the United States to provide F-35 stealth fighters to India. (single source)
- The MRFA programme may involve local manufacturing of Rafale jets in partnership with France. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-12: Indian Air Force outlines major fighter jet and transport modernization roadmap

The Indian Air Force aims to sign a 114-jet MRFA deal this fiscal year and is pursuing major upgrades to its transport and helicopter fleets to bolster combat strength.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indian-air-force-outlines-major-fighter-jet-and-transport-modernization-roadmap

### 2026-10-08: Indian Air Force faces fighter shortage amid program delays

The Indian Air Force requires 36 to 40 new fighter aircraft annually to offset declining strength caused by aging fleets and delays in the indigenous Tejas MK-1A program.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indian-air-force-faces-fighter-shortage-amid-program-delays

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Cite as: Indian Air Force fighter fleet modernization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indian-air-force-fighter-fleet-modernization