India’s air force faces critical shortfall vs China-Pakistan dual threat

With delays in fighter jet production, only 31 active squadrons leave India ill-prepared to fight a two-front war, analysts say

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A HAL Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force. Photo: AFP

Published: 3:30pm, 19 Oct 2024

India’s air force strength has dropped to a historic low, raising alarms over the country’s preparedness for potential conflicts with both Pakistan and China, as delays in fighter jet production continue to undermine efforts to replenish the ageing fleet.

The Indian Air Force now operates just 31 squadrons – far below the sanctioned strength of 42 and the lowest count since war with Pakistan nearly six decades ago.

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh recently made headlines by vowing to fight on with “whatever we have”, but his stoic resolve comes amid escalating concerns about production setbacks facing the domestically produced Tejas light combat aircraft.

These delays have forced the retirement of dozens of ageing Soviet-era planes without adequate replacements.

Acquiring and inducting new aircraft is a time-consuming process, Singh said earlier this month, citing not just procurement but also pilot training and operational support. He warned in separate remarks that maintaining squadron strength above 30 was crucial and suggested that private firms should work with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to expedite production of the new planes.

Ageing Jaguar fighter jets of the Indian Air Force perform a fly-past in Chennai on October 1. Photo: AFP

Defence experts echoed Singh’s concerns, highlighting the strategic vulnerability posed by India’s current fleet size – especially in a simultaneous two-front war with both Pakistan and China.