# Indian Air Force fighter jet shortages

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indian-air-force-fighter-jet-shortages
> Updated: 2026-10-03T09:35:34.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 3.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to face a critical shortage of combat aircraft, with active fighter squadrons estimated at 29 to 30. This remains significantly below the 42-squadron requirement necessary to maintain deterrence against regional threats from China and Pakistan.

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh has warned that the force must induct between 36 and 40 aircraft annually to arrest this decline. A primary driver of the shortage is the prolonged delay in the delivery of Tejas Mk-1A jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). To bridge immediate capability gaps, the IAF is looking toward the Tejas Mk-2 and the potential finalization of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme.

Negotiations for the MRFA deal, which involves the procurement of 114 Rafale jets from France at an estimated cost of Rs 3.25 lakh crore, are expected to conclude by the end of the current financial year. If successful, this would expand India’s Rafale inventory to 176 aircraft and include domestic manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Regarding long-term modernization, the IAF is monitoring the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. Singh indicated that the force might consider alternative fifth-generation platforms if the AMCA faces further delays, citing the advanced aircraft deployed by neighboring countries. He also emphasized that achieving self-reliance in defense production, particularly in domestic fighter jet engine manufacturing, is a necessity.

## Claims

- The Indian Air Force requires between 36 and 40 aircraft annually over the next few years. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- India may finalize the 114 Rafale fighter jet deal by the end of the current financial year. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Price negotiations for the acquisition, estimated at approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore, are currently underway. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Russia has offered Su-57 jets to India, but no decision has been made regarding them. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Deliveries of the Tejas fighter jet Mk-1A version have experienced significant delays. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The IAF may consider alternative fighter platforms if the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme is delayed. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The IAF currently operates approximately 29 fighter squadrons, falling short of its sanctioned strength of 42. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The IAF and HAL will hold a final review meeting on the Tejas Mk1A after mid-October to address radar glitches. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-03: Indian Air Force faces fighter shortage amid Tejas delays

IAF Chief AP Singh warns that delays in Tejas Mk-1A deliveries and a shortage of fighter squadrons are hurting combat readiness. India aims to finalize a 114-Rafale jet deal by the end of the financial year.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indian-air-force-seeks-to-finalize-114-rafale-jet-deal-by-fy27-end

### 2026-09-13: US Air Force faces fighter pilot readiness crisis

The US Air Force faces a readiness crisis as fighter pilot sorties have dropped to one per month, well below the required 9 to 10, amid pilot shortages and reduced maintenance funding.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-air-force-faces-fighter-pilot-readiness-crisis

### 2026-09-11: Indian Air Force faces fighter jet shortage amid regional tensions

The Indian Air Force faces a critical shortage of fighter squadrons, dropping to 29–31 against a requirement of 42, prompting interest in Russian Su-57 and Su-30MKI upgrade proposals.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indian-air-force-faces-fighter-jet-shortage-amid-regional-tensions

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