Fri Feb 28 19:49:00 UTC 2025: ## Indian Air Force Needs 35-40 Fighter Jets Annually to Address Shortage

**New Delhi, March 1, 2025** – The Indian Air Force (IAF) requires an annual influx of 35 to 40 fighter jets to overcome its current deficit, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh announced on Friday. While acknowledging Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) pledge to deliver 24 Tejas Mark-1A jets next year, he stressed this was insufficient and advocated for increased private sector involvement to bridge the gap.

The IAF currently operates 31 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.5. The shortfall is exacerbated by the phasing out of older jets like Jaguars, MIG-29UPGs, and Mirage-2000s by the end of the decade, coupled with delays in Light Combat Aircraft-Mk1A deliveries.

Air Chief Marshal Singh envisions a technologically advanced IAF by 2047, equipped with at least 4.5-generation aircraft and enhanced interoperability across all armed forces. He emphasized a commitment to indigenous systems, stating that even domestically produced technology reaching 90% of foreign capabilities would be acceptable.

Meanwhile, Samir V. Kamat, Secretary-Research and Development and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), highlighted the need for a faster defence acquisition process. He expects a streamlined system to be in place by year-end, a key reform in the Ministry of Defence’s declared “year of reforms.” Kamat also acknowledged the challenges of high-risk R&D, particularly the lack of risk appetite in the private sector, and welcomed the government’s initiative to allocate 25% of the DRDO’s budget to private sector and academic R&D. He stressed the importance of amending government financial rules to accommodate R&D failures.

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