Air Chief Flags Fighter Shortfall, Pushes for Faster Jet Induction
What Happened
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said delays in the delivery of indigenous Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets are hurting the Indian Air Force, whose fighter squadron strength has fallen to 29, well below the sanctioned 42 squadrons. He said the IAF needs to induct 36-40 fighter aircraft every year over the next few years and is counting on Tejas and the proposed 114-aircraft MRFA (Rafale) programme to bridge the gap.
Key Takeaways
The IAF is pushing for quicker aircraft induction and defence modernisation as it seeks to address a growing fighter shortage amid evolving security challenges. The Air Chief also expressed hope that the MRFA deal could be finalized during the current financial year.