SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Amid swirling reports that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is pushing the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to expand its fighter combat strength to 60 squadrons, a senior IAF official has dismissed the claims as “media speculation.” Speaking to idrw.org, the official clarified that no such proposal is under consideration, emphasizing that the IAF remains committed to its sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons while focusing on modernization and capability enhancement to counter regional threats.
Recent media reports suggested that the IAF, concerned about the growing airpower of China and Pakistan, had proposed increasing its fighter strength from the current 31 squadrons to 60 squadrons by 2040. The speculation gained traction amid India’s ongoing efforts to bolster its air combat capabilities, including the induction of Rafale jets, the development of the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and plans to procure additional squadrons of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The reported proposal was seen as a response to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) operating over 3,000 aircraft, including advanced fifth-generation fighters like the J-20, and Pakistan’s acquisition of Chinese J-10C jets.
A 60-squadron force, equating to approximately 1,080–1,200 fighters (with 18–20 aircraft per squadron), would significantly outstrip the IAF’s current strength of around 620 combat aircraft, including Su-30 MKIs, MiG-29s, Mirage 2000s, Rafales, and Jaguars. Proponents of the expansion argued it would address the IAF’s numerical disadvantage and ensure deterrence across two fronts, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
The senior IAF official, speaking anonymously to idrw.org, categorically ruled out any formal proposal to scale up to 60 squadrons. “These are just media speculations. The IAF has not submitted any such request to the MoD, nor is it part of our current planning,” the official stated. The IAF’s focus, instead, is on optimizing its existing resources, inducting modern platforms, and enhancing operational efficiency within the sanctioned 42-squadron strength, a target set in the 1960s to balance capability and cost.
The official highlighted several factors underpinning the IAF’s stance:
- Current Fleet Modernization: The IAF is actively addressing its squadron shortfall through ongoing and planned inductions. The delivery of 36 Rafale jets has been completed, and 240 Su-30 MKIs are being upgraded with advanced avionics and weapons. Additionally, the IAF has ordered 240 Tejas Mk-1A fighters, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) ramping up production to 24 aircraft annually by 2026. The Tejas Mk-2, expected to enter service by 2028, and the AMCA, slated for the mid-2030s, will further bolster the fleet.
- Capability Over Numbers: The IAF is prioritizing quality over quantity, leveraging advanced technologies like Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, long-range missiles, and network-centric warfare capabilities. Modern fighters like the Rafale and Tejas Mk-2 offer superior combat effectiveness compared to older platforms, reducing the need for a massive numerical increase. The integration of unmanned systems, such as Combat Air Teaming Systems (CATS) with the AMCA, will act as force multipliers, enhancing operational reach without expanding squadron numbers.
- Fiscal Constraints: Expanding to 60 squadrons would require an estimated USD 150–200 billion over two decades, straining India’s defence budget, which was INR 6.24 lakh crore (USD 75 billion) in 2024–25. The IAF’s capital allocation, shared with the Army and Navy, limits large-scale acquisitions, making a 42-squadron force with modern platforms a more realistic goal. The official noted that the MoD’s focus on indigenous production, such as the Tejas and AMCA, helps control costs while building self-reliance.
- Operational Realities: The IAF’s current strength, though below the sanctioned 42 squadrons, is deemed sufficient for deterrence when combined with advanced training, joint operations with the Navy and Army, and strategic partnerships with allies like the United States, France, and Japan. The official emphasized that the IAF’s participation in multinational exercises, such as Tarang Shakti-2024, enhances interoperability and operational readiness, mitigating the need for a drastic squadron increase.
While rejecting the 60-squadron proposal, the official acknowledged the need to counter China and Pakistan’s advancing air forces. The PLAAF’s 3,000+ aircraft, including 150–200 J-20s, pose a significant challenge along the LAC, where India has deployed Rafales, Su-30 MKIs, and S-400 air defence systems. Pakistan’s acquisition of 20–50 J-10C fighters, equipped with AESA radars and PL-15 missiles, adds complexity to the western front. However, the IAF believes its modernization roadmap, including the induction of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) under a planned tender, will bridge capability gaps without necessitating a massive fleet expansion.
The IAF is also enhancing its infrastructure, with forward airbases in Ladakh and the Northeast equipped with 5G connectivity and SATCOM-enabled Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for real-time surveillance. Investments in air defence, such as the Akash-1S and MRSAM systems, further strengthen India’s layered deterrence strategy.
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