The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently grappling with significant challenges concerning its fighter jet squadrons, leading the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to set up a high-level committee to address the crisis. The IAF, which plays a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s airspace and military interests, faces a shortage of fighter jets and an increasing need to modernise its fleet. With a rapidly changing security environment, the situation has reached a critical point, and the MoD’s intervention underscores the urgency of the matter.

THE COUNTER-ATTACK CAPABILITY

How do the forces measure their capability? The very question of capability is based on the ability to not only counter the adversaries’ capabilities but also be able to launch an offensive thereafter. While it pertains to all services, the IAF has geared up to address its gaps which is certainly a step in the right direction.

A look at China’s growing defence exports to Pakistan and Bangladesh reflects its increasing influence in South Asia. While IAF does boost India’s superior and advanced air-defence systems like the S-400 and a good combination of Su-30 MKI and Rafale among others, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF)’s purchase order of 40 J-35 jets from China, is adding equal firepower which designed for both air superiority and strike missions. China has also forayed into next-generation air defence systems as per from the variety of combat jets and UAVs/UCVs. Recently, China’s Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation launched the FK-4000 mobile air defence weapons system which uses high-power microwaves (HPM) to intercept the smallest, lightest drones down to micro unmanned aerial aircraft.

At the same time, the rapid development in warfare puts the air force at the core of the technological landscape with autonomous weapons and laser/energy dimensions taking shape clearly. On top of that space warfare adds to the air force as the most potent frontier force today.

And so, China’s push for the development of AI-enabled technologies for autonomous vehicles, predictive maintenance and logistics, automated target recognition and other military tools.

Parallelly, Pakistan has fully leveraged China’s willingness to support them with arms despite the economic crisis. Notably, China aided the Pakistani air force with ranges such as the Burraq, Shahpar series, and Chinese-manufactured CH-4B and Wing Loong I and II among others.

With multiple opinions on China’s aggressive arms export support to Pakistan and now Bangladesh, the situation demands serious strategic deliberations and actions which IAF has rightly called out for.

THE CRISIS WITHIN THE IAF

The IAF has long been struggling with issues related to the number and quality of its fighter jet squadrons. According to defence analysts, the optimal strength for the Indian Air Force is around 42 squadrons, but currently, it is hovering around 30 or fewer. This deficit is largely due to an ageing fleet, the variants of the MiG-21, the MiG-23 and the MiG-27 aircraft, the delayed induction of new aircraft, and the limited production capacity of indigenous fighter jets. The IAF’s outdated fleet, particularly the Mirage 2000s and MiG-21s, poses serious concerns for both national security and operational readiness.

A report from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Defence for the year 2024-25 outlines the conservative timeline for the futuristic Advanced Medium AMCA’s delivery in the next decade. Additionally, the progress of LCA MK2 which is built over the existing platform of Tejas Mk1A, is slow as the delivery of the engines from GE Aerospace further adds to the problem. This indeed leads to the dependency on the legacy combat aircraft in the arsenal of IAF which include Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar jets.

The geopolitical climate in the region has exacerbated the situation, with rising tensions along India’s borders with both China and Pakistan. The need for a robust, modern air force capable of quick, strategic deployment has never been more critical. However, the IAF is not only facing the challenge of replacing older aircraft but also integrating new platforms and technologies to maintain air superiority.

THE FIGHTER JET SQUADRON DILEMMA

A key issue in the IAF’s current crisis is the depletion of fighter jet squadrons. A squadron typically comprises around 16–18 aircraft, but due to attrition, operational requirements, and maintenance delays, many of the existing squadrons are understrength or unable to meet the IAF’s strategic needs. Furthermore, the delay in acquiring advanced fighter jets has further compounded the issue.

The indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has been lauded as a potential solution with the purchase order 83 LCA Mk-1A but its production has been slow. IAF has received and operationalised two squadrons of Tejas Mk1A (aircraft). The aircraft’s numbers are not yet sufficient to fill the gap created by the shortage of frontline jets until the purchase order of another 97 LCA Mk-1A aircraft fully materialises in terms of delivery for which AoN was accorded and RFP was issued.

Additionally, India’s heavy reliance on foreign suppliers for critical components and advanced technologies has caused delays in aircraft production, further exacerbating the crisis. The situation is a reminder of the IAF’s long-standing challenge: balancing modern procurement while ensuring the timely decommissioning and replacement of ageing platforms.

MOD’S INTERVENTION: SETTING UP A COMMITTEE

In response to this growing crisis, the MoD has constituted a high-level committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the IAF’s current capabilities and future requirements. This committee will assess the IAF’s long-term fighter jet needs, focusing on the acquisition of new aircraft, the strengthening of indigenous production, and streamlining the operational readiness of existing squadrons.

The committee’s mandate includes:

• Reviewing the Current Fleet Status: Evaluating the operational strength of existing squadrons and identifying the gaps in air defence capabilities.
• Expediting Aircraft Procurement: Addressing the delays in the procurement process and pushing forward the acquisition of new aircraft to meet the IAF’s strategic needs.
• Strengthening Indigenous Production: Providing recommendations on ramping up domestic production of aircraft, such as the Tejas, and ensuring that defence PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) can deliver on time.
• Improving Maintenance and Operational Efficiency: Addressing the logistical and maintenance challenges faced by squadrons, which often result in a shortage of ready-tofly aircraft.
• Strategic and Operational Planning: Ensuring that the IAF’s squadrons are optimally positioned to respond to any regional or global security threat.

The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within a set timeframe, after which a clear roadmap will be developed to strengthen the IAF’s fighter jet fleet. The MoD’s active role in resolving this crisis reflects the government’s awareness of the critical importance of the air force in modern warfare.

THE WAY FORWARD: A NEED FOR URGENT ACTION

The crisis within the IAF highlights the pressing need for a comprehensive strategy to modernise and expand the fleet, especially given the challenges posed by neighbouring countries. The MoD’s committee must work in close collaboration with the IAF to ensure that the force remains at the cutting edge of airpower technology and operational readiness.

Furthermore, as India moves toward becoming a regional military power, the government will need to adopt to approach defence procurement which includes balancing the need for high-tech foreign aircraft with a robust domestic defence industry capable of meeting future requirements.

While the IAF faces significant challenges, the establishment of a MoD committee is a critical step in addressing the fighter jet squadron crisis. With concerted efforts, investment in indigenous technology, and strategic acquisitions, the IAF can emerge stronger, ensuring that India remains secure in an increasingly complex and volatile world.