IN 2014, Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) force composition of its fighter fleet was calculated at minimum 42.5 squadrons for implementing the Cold Start Doctrine against Pakistan and lamenting two-front war mantra.

However, owing to gradual decommissioning of the aging fleet, IAF has been reduced to 32 squadrons which, according to the hosts of the India Today Conclave 2025, is likely to further shrink to 25-26 squadrons by 2030.The IAF’s current fleet is suffering from both qualitative and quantitative differential which becomes more pronounced when compared with nuclear armed neighbors equipped with more modern and more lethal aerial platforms. The IAF planned to address these deficiencies by simultaneously following two-pronged strategy: (i) inducting six squadrons of indigenously built LCA/Tejas (Mk-1, Mk-1A & Mk-2) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL); (ii) by off-the-shelf purchase of 126 Rafale aircraft from France.

However, as far as indigenous production is concerned, LCA/Tejas project was recommended in 1969 and launched in 1984 and despite the lapse of over four decades of hard work and huge financial, technological and HR investments, HAL seems to be way short of its promised delivery targets and timelines. In the same regards, IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Amar Preet Singh has shown his frustration with the delayed decision-making by the political leadership and painfully slow progress by HAL. So far, almost 2 Squadrons of Mk-1 Tejas have been delivered to IAF while Mk-1A & Mk-2 have been planned to be produced from 2031 onwards.........

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