New Delhi: The Indian Air Force is aiming to rebuild its combat strength to the sanctioned 42 fighter squadrons by 2040, with nearly 60% of the fleet expected to be made up of indigenous fighter jets.
The ambitious modernization roadmap heavily depends on the success of India’s homegrown fighter aircraft programs, especially the HAL Tejas Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The plan reflects India’s long-term strategy to reduce dependence on foreign combat aircraft and strengthen domestic defence manufacturing under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
What is the Importance of IAF Fighter Squadrons Mission
The sanctioned strength of the Indian Air Force is 42 fighter squadrons, but current operational strength remains significantly lower due to the retirement of older aircraft such as the MiG-21 and the gradual phase-out of Jaguar and Mirage fleets. Reports suggest the IAF currently operates around 30–31 fighter squadrons.
Military experts believe restoring the 42-squadron strength is important because India must prepare for potential two-front security challenges involving both Pakistan and China.
IAF Fighter Squadrons Mission: Indigenous Fighters to Form the Backbone
According to defence reports, the IAF expects around 454 indigenous fighter aircraft to be part of the future combat fleet by 2040. This would make India one of the few countries operating a largely domestically built fighter force.
The indigenous fleet is expected to include:
- Around 180 Tejas Mk1A and Mk1B fighters
- Nearly 40 legacy Tejas Mk1 aircraft
- Multiple squadrons of Tejas Mk2
- Future induction of the AMCA stealth fighter
These aircraft are expected to gradually replace aging platforms including MiG-21s, Jaguars, Mirage-2000s, and some MiG-29 variants.
IAF Fighter Squadrons Mission: Tejas Mk2 Seen as a Critical Program
The HAL Tejas Mk2 is considered one of the most important projects in the IAF’s modernization plan.
The aircraft is being designed as a 4.5-generation multirole fighter with:
- More payload capacity
- Longer combat range
- Advanced avionics
- Better radar systems
- Stronger engine power through the GE F414 engine
Reports indicate the first prototype rollout is expected by the end of 2025, while the first flight may happen in 2026. Mass production could begin around 2028–29 if development stays on schedule.
The aircraft is expected to replace several older fighter types in the IAF inventory over the next decade.
AMCA to Lead India Into Fifth-Generation Warfare
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft will be India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.
The aircraft is planned to feature:
- Stealth capabilities
- Advanced electronic warfare systems
- Internal weapons bays
- Supercruise capability
- AI-assisted combat systems
The AMCA program is expected to become the future centerpiece of India’s air combat capability after 2035. Defence analysts believe the success of AMCA is critical if India wants to match rapidly modernizing air forces in the region.
Challenges Could Delay the Vision
While the roadmap looks ambitious, several challenges remain:
Production Delays
There have already been delays in the delivery of Tejas Mk1A fighters due to supply chain and engine-related issues.
Engine Dependency
Although the aircraft are being built in India, key engines such as the GE F414 still depend on foreign partnerships. India is working to increase indigenous content gradually.
Manufacturing Capacity
Experts say India must significantly expand manufacturing capacity through both public and private sector participation to meet large production targets before 2040.
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