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In the wake of the successful 'Operation Sindoor' airstrikes in May 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly advancing a major proposal to increase its combat fleet to an unprecedented 56 squadrons.
According to a recent report by The Tribune, this initiative aims to revise a decades-old policy from the 1980s, when the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had sanctioned a force of 42 squadrons to effectively manage a potential two-front war with China and Pakistan.
Military sources indicate that the existing ceiling of 42 squadrons, each typically comprising 16 to 18 aircraft, is now considered inadequate.
An internal assessment following the recent operation has recommended a substantial 30-35% increase in strength.
This strategic reassessment is a direct response to the escalating military collaboration between China and Pakistan and the rapid technological upgrades being made to their respective air forces.
The lessons from 'Operation Sindoor' reportedly highlighted the critical need for a larger and more technologically advanced IAF to maintain air superiority in the region.
The threat landscape has evolved significantly since the original 42-squadron mandate was established.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is modernising its fleet with Chinese support, inducting advanced fighters like the J-10CE and the JF-17 Block III, which are equipped with the PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) with a reported range of over 145 km.
Concurrently, China’s People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) presents a formidable challenge with over 2,000 combat aircraft, including the J-20 stealth fighter and its own PL-15 missiles capable of engaging targets from 200-300 km away.
This push for expansion comes at a critical time for the IAF. With the scheduled retirement of the last remaining squadron of MiG-21 fighters on September 19, 2025, the IAF's squadron strength is projected to fall to 29, its lowest point in over six decades.
To reverse this decline and address the numerical and technological disparity with its adversaries, the proposal aims to secure CCS approval for a new sanctioned strength of 54 to 56 squadrons, which would translate to a force of approximately 864 to 1,008 modern fighter jets.
To achieve this ambitious target, the IAF has outlined a multi-pronged strategy that balances indigenous manufacturing with strategic foreign acquisitions:
- Indigenous Tejas Program: The cornerstone of India's self-reliance in defence, the plan involves the induction of 220 Tejas Mk1A aircraft (forming about 12 squadrons). This will be followed by the more advanced Tejas Mk2, a medium-weight fighter expected around 2030, which will add another 6-7 squadrons to the fleet.
- Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA): For the long term, India is developing its own fifth-generation stealth fighter, the AMCA. The project aims to deliver 6-7 squadrons by 2035, with significant design and development contributions from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and an indigenous engine being co-developed by GTRE and France's Safran.
- Further Rafale Acquisition: Building on the proven capability of its existing 36 Rafale jets, the IAF is pursuing the acquisition of an additional 114 aircraft. These multirole fighters would constitute 6-7 squadrons capable of performing a wide range of missions, from air dominance to precision ground strikes.
- Su-30 MKI Upgrades: The backbone of the IAF, the fleet of 272 Su-30 MKIs (roughly 13 squadrons), is undergoing comprehensive upgrades. The "Super Sukhoi" program will equip them with advanced indigenous radar, avionics, and next-generation missiles, ensuring they remain formidable for years to come.
- Strengthened Air Defence: The strategy extends beyond fighter jets, calling for the expansion of India's multi-layered air defence network. Systems like the S-400, Barak-8, and the indigenous Akash, which proved effective during 'Operation Sindoor', will be further integrated to protect critical assets and enable offensive air operations.
Furthermore, the high cost of foreign acquisitions, with the Rafale deal alone estimated at over $20 billion, will require significant financial commitment and navigating complex international negotiations.
The success of this crucial modernization effort will depend on sustained political will, streamlined procurement processes, and a robust domestic defence industrial base.
