India moves to address fighter jet shortfalls amid rising regional pressures

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is increasingly anxious over its shrinking combat strength, with its fleet now comprising fewer than 30 squadrons, well below the sanctioned 42.

With eight more squadrons set to retire over the next decade, and threats rising from across the region – including Pakistan’s plan to acquire up to 40 J-35A fighters from China – India’s traditionally slow-moving defence bureaucracy is finally being pushed to act.

A long-awaited report focused on collaboration with private industry on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is set to be released this month. The programme, with a budget allocation of around US$2 billion, involves co-development of a 110kN engine by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.’s (HAL’s) Gas Turbine Research Establishment in partnership with Safran, GE, and Rolls-Royce. A decade in the making, the AMCA’s timeline remains extended – the last aircraft of the planned seven squadrons may not be delivered before 2045, a HAL engineer told Shephard.

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HAL under pressure over LCA deliveries

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A programme has come under scrutiny. While HAL is contracted to deliver 83 aircraft by 2029, with another 97 to follow by 2032, delays have drawn public criticism from IAF Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.

HAL chairman and managing director DK Sunil attributed delays to supply chain issues linked to the GE-404 engine. That explanation may no longer hold weight – GE Aerospace has now delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines, with another 12 expected this year for the LCA Mk1A.

Meanwhile, HAL is also responsible for developing four prototypes of the LCA Mk-2, with the first flight expected in early 2026. It is understood, however, that HAL remains unwilling to bring in a private manufacturing partner for the project.

MRFA procurement remains in limbo

The Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) procurement, which issued a Request for Information (RfI) in 2018, still awaits a Request for Proposal (RfP). The deal, which envisioned 110 aircraft with 85% manufactured in India, has stalled amid geopolitical pressures from the US and Russia, who are pushing the F-35 Lightning II and Su-57E, respectively.

There is speculation that new contenders may prompt re-evaluation of qualification requirements, potentially delaying the process further. On 8 March, Air Chief Marshal Singh confirmed that the F-35 option has not been considered, stating: “Buying a fighter plane is not the same as buying a washing machine or refrigerator.”

Fleet logistics and legacy challenges

The IAF continues to struggle with logistics and parts due to fleet diversity and reliance on legacy Russian platforms, which make up about 70% of its inventory.

“Numerous joint ventures between Indian and Russian companies have been signed to make components,” a senior IAF maintenance official told Shephard. “Some are to start production soon to extend aircraft life until replacements arrive.”

In parallel developments, following Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts worth more than $7 billion with HAL for 66 LCH ‘Prachand’ helicopters for the IAF and 90 LCHs for the Indian Army.

Deliveries will begin in year three of contract signing and continue for five years.

A contract with Metrea has been signed to lease one KC-135 Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA) to train pilots from both the IAF and Indian Navy. This wet-leased FRA will be delivered within six months – a first for the IAF.

The CCS, chaired by the Prime Minister, has also cleared procurement of 307 ATAGS and 327 High Mobility 6x6 Gun Towing Vehicles for 15 Artillery Regiments under the Buy Indian programme.

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