Air Force faces shortage of fighter jets; situation could improve if 35 to 40 aircraft are acquired annually: Air Chief Marshal

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has acknowledged that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is short of fighter jets, officers, and air personnel given the current situation, but stated that this is not a cause for concern and that the situation will significantly improve if the strategies and plans formulated to address these shortages are completed on schedule. Speaking at the annual press conference on Saturday, ahead of Air Force Day on October 8, Air Chief Marshal Singh said, "It is true that the Air Force is short of aircraft and needs more. This situation has arisen due to continuous delays in the scheduled delivery of aircraft." Referring to delays in various programs for manufacturing indigenous fighter jets, he said that if these programs are completed on time, the situation could improve. He noted that the Air Force requires at least 35 to 40 fighter jets annually, and if this is achieved, the situation could improve considerably. He emphasized that all stakeholders must work together regarding indigenous aircraft. Addressing delays in fighter jet deals, he said that the expected timely delivery of certain aircraft has not materialized. However, he also stated that the shortage of aircraft is not a major cause for concern. To reduce dependence on foreign sources for fighter jet engines, he said that firm decisions need to be taken. Regarding the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal with France, he expressed hope that it could be finalized in the current financial year. The Air Chief stated that the Air Force should receive 35 to 40 aircraft annually. He expressed concern over China providing fifth-generation fighter jets to Pakistan. He said that if there are delays in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program being developed domestically, alternatives should be considered. The Air Chief stated that there is no need to create a separate drone force for the Air Force. It is noteworthy that the Air Force currently has approximately 30 fighter squadrons, whereas it requires at least 42. The Air Chief also acknowledged a shortage of officers and air personnel in the Air Force but noted that steps are being taken to address this, which is a continuous process. He also emphasized increasing the role of artificial intelligence in the Air Force. Expressing concern over reports that China is providing Pakistan with fifth-generation fighter jets, the Air Chief said, "Media reports also indicate that Pakistani pilots are being trained on them." He said, "This is a cause for concern, but the Indian Air Force has the capability to handle this situation." He added, "Wars are not won by a single aircraft; it is also important how strongly that aircraft is integrated with the defense system." He noted that Pakistan has had fighter jets before but has not been able to achieve much. It is noteworthy that China is set to provide Pakistan with the J-35 fifth-generation fighter jet. Identifying the indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet, the MkA, as a requirement for the Air Force, he said that if its delivery is delayed, the Air Force should consider other alternatives. He said that Russia has offered to provide India with its latest fighter jet, the Su-57, but no decision has been made yet. Regarding the increasing use of drones in conflicts around the world, he said he does not believe the Indian Air Force needs a separate force for them. He stated that instead of using them separately, they should be used in conjunction with the existing military structure and other weapons. He said this is not a revolutionary change for the Air Force, which has been using drones for decades and is now expanding their scope. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said that the Air Force also faced drone warfare in that operation. When asked about the long-awaited purchase of Rafale Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft from France, he expressed hope that if everything proceeds according to the planned schedule and program, the deal could be finalized in this financial year. It is noteworthy that India is negotiating to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets from France. This purchase is being made under the Government-to-Government (G2G) process. Negotiations are ongoing regarding key issues and pricing for this deal. If the deal is completed on time, the number of fighter jets in the Air Force fleet, which is currently facing a shortage, will increase somewhat. Regarding delays in the supply of engines from abroad for fighter jets being manufactured domestically, he said the government needs to make a decision. He stated that indigenous engines must be launched and progress made in that direction to reduce dependence on foreign sources.

It is noteworthy that the delivery of the domestic Tejas fighter jets is being delayed because the American company GE has not supplied the engines on time. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing the Air Force’s aerospace capabilities. He said that the Air Force has already been focused on aerospace and that its training is now being expanded. Air Chief Marshal S. M. Chahar, a Pakistani pilot of Dubai Fly Airline, said that Captain Chahar’s actions were extraordinary and that we are all proud of him. He added that this incident is also a lesson for people connected to the sector.