Following a review of the strategic lessons from Operation Sindoor, a cross-border strike in May 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly proposing a significant expansion of its fleet to counter the combined threat from China and Pakistan.
The proposal urges increasing the sanctioned combat strength from the current 42 squadrons to a new benchmark of 55 or even 60 squadrons, aiming to re-establish decisive air superiority in the region.
This internal push, detailed in assessments following the operation, highlights that a simple increase in fighter jets is insufficient.
Instead, it calls for a parallel build-up of "force multipliers," specifically Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) and Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA), also known as air-to-air tankers.
A senior IAF official familiar with the proposal stated that any approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for more squadrons would require a "great deal of focus" on these support aircraft to maintain a high operational pace across two separate fronts.
Operation Sindoor, which was praised by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh for achieving a record 300 km "longest kill," also exposed gaps in the IAF's long-range surveillance and strike endurance.
The IAF's combat strength is currently at a low of 29-31 squadrons, far below the sanctioned 42. This 42-squadron benchmark was largely set when the primary strategic focus was Pakistan, but officials now deem it inadequate for the modern, high-tech, two-front challenge.
The new blueprint, which would require approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), suggests a 30-35% force increase and aligns with independent analysis from think tanks like IDSA, which have advocated for 55-65 squadrons for effective deterrence.
The IAF's vision prioritizes a networked force, where support assets enhance the effectiveness of every fighter.
"In a two-front scenario, fighters alone won’t suffice; we need eyes in the sky and wings with endurance," the official noted.
AWACS provide 360-degree battlefield awareness, while refuelers allow for deep-penetration strikes and longer combat air patrols.
The current fleet is strained; the IAF operates six AWACS (three Israeli Phalcon and three indigenous Netra Mk1) and a small fleet of six Il-78MKI tankers, which suffer from serviceability issues, supplemented by a leased KC-135.
To meet existing shortfalls, the IAF is already in the process of procuring 12 additional AWACS—a mix of six DRDO Netra Mk1A on Embraer jets and six Netra Mk2 on larger Airbus A321 platforms.
This would bring the total AWACS fleet to 18 by the early 2030s, which is considered the baseline requirement for a 42-squadron force.
However, if the combat fleet is expanded to 55 or 60 squadrons, the number of support aircraft must also be proportionally increased to manage the larger, more complex battlespace.
According to planning ratios, the baseline 42-squadron force requires 18 AWACS (one for every 2.3 squadrons) and 12 refuelers.
A 55-squadron force (a 31% increase) would need approximately 24 AWACS and 16 refuelers to provide persistent coverage.
If the force grows to 60 squadrons (a 43% increase), the requirement would climb to 26 AWACS and 18 refuelers to ensure continuous operations and cover potential combat losses.
This proposed expansion represents a significant financial commitment.
A 55-squadron force could require an additional $5-7 billion for these support aircraft alone, separate from the over $100 billion estimated for new fighters under the MRFA and indigenous AMCA programs.
However, the official emphasized their necessity, calling them "the sinews of modern airpower" and essential for conducting precision strikes.
Projected Support Aircraft Requirements
| Force Structure | Projected AWACS | Projected Refuelers (FRA) | Additional Need (Over Baseline Plan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42 Squadrons (Baseline) | 18 | 12 | (Current plan) |
| 55 Squadrons (Proposal) | 24 | 16 | +6 AWACS, +4 FRA |
| 60 Squadrons (Proposal) | 26 | 18 | +8 AWACS, +6 FRA |
