IAF needs 36 to 40 fighters a year to halt fleet decline, looks to Mk-2 as Mk-1A runs late
IAF needs 36 to 40 fighters a year. (Image courtesy: X/@airnewsalerts)
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking towards the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk-2 to help fill existing capability gaps amid prolonged delays in deliveries of the LCA Mk-1A, the IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, said on Saturday. Acknowledging that the delay has been significant, he said defence programmes can face delays, but the current wait has been longer than expected.
“It happens that you plan something, but things get delayed. But this time, the delay has been much longer than expected. We are also looking towards Mark 2. All these will be able to fill in the gaps that exist,” ACM Singh said at a press conference ahead of Air Force Day.
The remark came in response to a question on whether Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) would face any penalties over the late deliveries. The IAF chief did not say whether any penalty would be imposed, but acknowledged that the delay had gone beyond the expected timeline.
An earlier RNA Media report noted that some Mk-1A aircraft were expected to arrive earlier but were delayed. The delays add to the IAF’s challenge of maintaining its fighter strength as it pursues several indigenous and foreign procurement programmes.
The IAF needs to induct 36 to 40 fighter aircraft every year to stop the decline in its fighter fleet and eventually move towards its authorized strength, ACM Singh said. That is the equivalent of almost two fighter squadrons a year, needed first to halt the decline and then to increase fighter strength.
On HAL’s production capacity, ACM Singh said the company is discussing an annual capacity of about 24 aircraft, but output will depend heavily on resolving the engine issue affecting the programme. He said 12 additional engines are expected this year, followed by about 20 a year after that.
Even if HAL produces about 20 aircraft a year instead of 24, ACM Singh said, other programmes could bridge the gap. The proposed multirole fighter aircraft (MRFA) programme could add about 12 jets a year if it moves forward.
The IAF also has a contract for 12 additional Su-30 aircraft, and ACM Singh said their deliveries could add to annual inductions, with six aircraft potentially arriving in one year and the remaining six the next.
ACM Singh also stressed the need for self-reliance in defence production, particularly amid conflicts and disruptions to global supply chains. “Having self-reliance is an essential requirement as of today. And for us it is a necessity. The Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) is a necessity,” he said.
He described the LCA programme, including the Mk-1A and Mk-2 variants, and the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) as key indigenous projects. “Our involvement is continuous and full support is being granted,” he said.
He added that the IAF may have to consider other fighter platforms if the AMCA and other programmes are delayed. Russia has offered its Su-57 fighter to India as one option, but ACM Singh said no decision has been taken on the proposal.
India also hopes to finalize the long-awaited MRFA deal during the current financial year, provided things proceed as planned, ACM Singh said. India cleared a proposal in February to buy 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under a government-to-government framework, with price negotiations and other key issues under way.
