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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to undertake a monumental fleet upgrade over the next decade, with ambitious plans for the induction of more than 350 advanced combat aircraft by 2035.
According to official sources, this comprehensive modernisation roadmap is designed to bolster the nation's air defence capabilities and address the dwindling number of fighter squadrons.
The acquisitions will include a mix of indigenous and foreign-made jets, featuring the Tejas Mk2, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and new Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA).
This strategic overhaul, strongly supported by the Ministry of Defence, aims to replace an aging fleet of nearly 150 aircraft, including the Jaguar, MiG-29, and Mirage-2000 fleets, which are scheduled for phased retirement.
The initiative is critical for maintaining a credible deterrent against regional security challenges post by China-Pak dual threat.
By focusing heavily on domestic manufacturing through the Atmanirbhar Bharat policy, the plan seeks to create a futuristic and self-reliant fighter fleet with superior operational readiness.
At present, the IAF operates with approximately 31 fighter squadrons, which is significantly below its sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons required to effectively manage a two-front scenario. The impending retirement of legacy platforms in the coming years will further widen this gap.
The modernisation plan is a direct response to this challenge and also considers the growing air power of adversaries, such as China's deployment of over 200 J-20 stealth fighters and Pakistan's anticipated acquisition of fifth-generation aircraft.
Indigenous Platforms to Form the Core
A cornerstone of the IAF's future will be its indigenous aircraft.The plan includes the induction of 120 Tejas Mk2 fighters. This 4.5-generation aircraft is a more capable version of the Tejas, featuring a longer range, a powerful engine, and advanced systems like an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a sophisticated electronic warfare suite.
Furthermore, the long-term vision centres on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s own 5.5-generation stealth fighter.
The government has recently approved nearly ₹15,000 crore for the development of AMCA prototypes by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The IAF plans to induct at least 160 AMCA jets post-2035, with the first flight of a prototype targeted for 2028. This aircraft will possess advanced stealth features, supercruise capability, and networked combat systems.
Foreign Acquisitions to Fill Immediate Gaps
To supplement the indigenous efforts and maintain combat readiness in the interim, the IAF is pursuing two major foreign acquisitions.- 110 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA): The IAF is awaiting formal approval, or Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), for a tender to acquire 114 multi-role jets. The French-made Dassault Rafale is widely considered the frontrunner for this deal. Having already inducted 36 Rafales, the IAF is familiar with the aircraft's high performance and logistical needs. Reports suggest the deal for 110 new jets could proceed through a government-to-government agreement to fast-track procurement.
- 60 5-Gen Fighters: As a potential stop-gap measure until the indigenous AMCA is operational, the IAF has reportedly proposed acquiring 60 fifth-generation fighters from a foreign vendor. The American Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a primary contender, valued for its proven combat effectiveness and mature production line. While Russia has offered its Su-57E, concerns over its development and limited induction have made the F-35 a more favoured option, according to defence analysts.
The induction of the already ordered Tejas Mk1A, followed by the Tejas Mk2 and new MRFA, will significantly enhance operational availability.
The high degree of indigenous content in the Tejas and AMCA projects is also expected to reduce maintenance downtime and strengthen India's domestic defence-industrial base, transforming the IAF into a formidable and future-ready air power.
