IAF Squadron Strength to Fall Short of 2025-26 Target Amid Fighter Jet Deficit

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to miss its target of adding nine new squadrons to its fleet by 2025-26, despite ongoing efforts to address its fighter jet deficit.

The original plan was to induct nine additional squadrons, but only two squadrons of Rafale fighter jets and one squadron of the Tejas Mk1A are confirmed for induction at this time. The delivery of the Tejas Mk1A has been hampered by production challenges, further hindering the IAF's plans.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas Mk1A, has committed to delivering at least six more aircraft by mid-2025, with another squadron's worth to follow in 2026. This development is positive, but even with these deliveries, the IAF will still be short of its target.

The IAF currently needs approximately 108-120 fighter jets to fill its squadron deficit. Even with the planned addition of 12 Su-30MKI aircraft over the next three years, the gap remains considerable.

In an attempt to partially bridge the gap, the IAF is reportedly negotiating with Qatar to acquire 12 used Mirage-2000-5 fighter jets. While this could offer a short-term solution, it doesn't address the long-term need for a modern and robust fighter fleet.

The situation could improve after 2026. If HAL can produce 16 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets annually as promised, the IAF could form one new squadron each year, making significant progress towards resolving its fighter jet shortage.

The IAF's current challenges underline the complexities associated with modernizing a large and intricate air force.

Though the induction of new Rafale and Tejas Mk1A squadrons marks advancement, delays and production shortfalls are creating obstacles. To achieve its long-term goal of a fully modernized fighter fleet, the IAF will need to maintain a strong focus on indigenous production and strategic procurement initiatives.

 

[rameshsukumaran]

ONLY ONE to blame is Govt.!! Instead of doing a G2G deal for 126 nos. Rafale jets at lowest costs in 2010, dey tried to do scams in UPA govt. with connivance of IAF ACM Arup Raha. In NDA govt. they kept changing goalposts with no proper plans, and are now asking for an IMPOSSIBLE 100% ToT. NEXT to BLAME is HAL and ADA. They took 20 years to get FOC for MK1 a supersonic trainer jet. And now HAL is not able to manufacture 24 nos. of MK1A combat-battle ready Tejas LCA jets... MUST get 2 foreign vendors to build fighter jets in India in order to save IAF fleets!

On what basis are you accusing ACM Raha? Dont talk when you know nothing. I have served with him. One of the most honest officers around.

 

[Akshat]

As I believe unnamed sources are not reliable so it can be rejected outright I am just mutually agree with you!!
Now things are why MoD or IAF is not punishing hal for not delivering the jets as it's comes under the delivery clauses!!
why they are all trying to save hal I just don't get it why they never put them in the condition where they have to be answerable and pay charges for putting country at risk!!!

2 main reasons. One is of course politics. It would look very bad on behalf of the government if a government entity fails. I here might even be opposition from the officer lobby itself.

Secondly, financial implications. If HAL is fined, its share price crashes. As the biggest owner with over 3/4 shareholding, GoI will face enormous losses.

On top of all this, what will finally, what good will financial penalties even be? The people at the top won’t even get a reduced paycheck. Entire tax burden will be burnt by the GoI and the innocent investors.

That’s why GoInis slowly divesting in HAL and is also creating a competitor. Steps like c295 and MRFA are for that.

 

[PKPRS]

Instead of Buying 12 old qatari Mirage-2000 For 66 Mn $ India should have gone for 0ne Rafale sqad.India should have Fast tracked MRFA and Fighter would have started delivered by now.

or we could buy 21 MIG-29 frames like planned earlier.

 

[R. Singh]

What we can do is start making additional 80-100 Super Su-30MKI powered by AL-41 engines ! and buy 44+ Rafale F4s ! Clear All Hurdles to fast track production of Tejas-1A and Tejas-AF-MK-II simultaneously ! Seek Pvt sector's TATA aerospace's help !