IAF May Expand Fighter Jet Fleet Beyond 42 Squadrons Amid Rising Threats

India is rethinking its long-standing benchmark of 42 fighter jet squadrons for the Indian Air Force (IAF), with defence officials signalling a possible 25-35% increase to strengthen aerial combat capability.

The reassessment comes at a time when the IAF is facing one of its lowest operational strengths in decades. The retirement of the ageing MiG-21 fleet on September 26 will reduce the force’s current strength from 31 to just 29 squadrons, creating an urgent gap in air defence preparedness.

Each squadron generally fields around 16-18 aircraft, and raising the authorised number would require a significant influx of new fighter jets. However, industry insiders highlight that domestic production timelines have not kept pace with requirements. The HAL Tejas Mark-1A, expected to ease the pressure with steady deliveries from 2024, has yet to reach frontline units.

The delays have been a matter of concern for Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who has repeatedly stressed the need for timely induction of fighters to avoid capability shortfalls. Officials indicate that any proposal to expand beyond 42 squadrons will require Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval and additional budgetary allocation.

Military strategists argue that the existing 42-squadron goal, set years ago, no longer reflects the realities of a possible two-front conflict scenario with both Pakistan and China. The proposed expansion aims to ensure India retains credible deterrence and operational flexibility in a rapidly evolving regional security environment.

If cleared, the plan would mark a major step in India’s long-term air power strategy, with procurement, production, and financing challenges determining how quickly the IAF can bridge the growing gap between its current capability and future requirements.