India redoubles efforts to make up fighter squadron shortfall
India is looking to increase its orders for Tejas LCA combat aircraft as it faces a shortfall of 12 fighter squadrons. (Photo: Indian Air Force)
Clashes with China over the past few years in Eastern Ladakh have pushed India into re-evaluating and speeding up development of delayed combat aircraft programmes.
The Indian Air Force's (IAF's) plan to order 50 more HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk 1As comes at a time when the service is trying to address the depletion of its fighter aircraft squadron strength.
The delayed $20 billion procurement of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFAs) will create a shortfall of 12 fighter squadrons into the mid-2030s.
Five MiG-21-equipped squadrons are due to stand down by 2025, and under current plans, the MRFA RfP is unlikely
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
Brazil receives first fully operational upgraded E-99M AEW&C
The updated E-99M aircraft features an updated Erieye Radar and C2 systems, as well as new EW and Identification, friend or foe (IFF) systems.
-
Boeing shifts towards low-rate MH-139A Grey Wolf production
Boeing's progress in the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter programme have marked a milestone in the transition toward low-rate initial production, following the delivery of the final test aircraft to the US Air Force.
-
Germany's expansion of P-8 Poseidon fleet casts further doubt on Franco-German MAWS
The recent approval by the German Budget Committee to acquire three additional P-8s has ignited further concerns about potential setbacks in the joint Franco-German Maritime Airborne Warfare System (MAWS) initiative.