Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Saturday described Pakistan’s reported plans to acquire fifth-generation fighter aircraft in collaboration with China as a concern, but said the IAF currently has the capabilities to deal with the potential threat.
Speaking at his annual press conference ahead of Air Force Day, Singh said reports suggested Pakistan could acquire the aircraft in the near future, with some reports also indicating that Pakistani pilots were already undergoing training in China. He stressed, however, that the effectiveness of a fighter aircraft depends not only on the platform but also on how effectively it is integrated with other military capabilities.
“Undoubtedly, this is a cause for concern. However, is it a no-go situation? I wouldn’t agree with that,” Singh said.
He added that Pakistan had operated other advanced platforms in the past but had not achieved their full potential because of integration issues. According to Singh, India should similarly focus on integrating the aircraft it is acquiring and inducting into a broader combat network.
IAF Wants Faster Fifth-Generation Fighter Induction
Singh said India cannot afford prolonged delays in acquiring next-generation fighter aircraft and needs to push ahead with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
He said that if delays affect the AMCA programme, the IAF may have to consider alternative platforms.
Russia has already offered its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter to India, Singh disclosed, but clarified that no decision has been taken on the proposal.
The remarks come as India continues to pursue the indigenous AMCA programme while working on other fighter acquisition and production plans.
MRFA Deal Could Be Finalised This Financial Year
Singh also said India is looking to finalise the long-pending Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal within the current financial year, provided negotiations proceed as planned.
The government cleared a proposal in February to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under a government-to-government framework. Price negotiations and other key issues are currently being worked out.
The proposed acquisition is aimed at strengthening the IAF’s fighter fleet as it deals with a shortage of operational squadrons.
IAF Needs 36-40 Fighter Jets Every Year
The Air Chief said the IAF needs to induct at least 36 to 40 fighter aircraft every year over the next few years to address the decline in its fighter squadron strength.
The force currently has 29 fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of 42, according to reports citing Singh’s remarks.
He said strengthening air power remains essential to India’s overall military capability and called for faster progress across fighter acquisition and development programmes.
IAF Pushes AI and Indigenous Capability
Singh also highlighted the growing role of emerging technologies in IAF modernisation.
“We have to have an AI-augmented force,” he said, while stressing the importance of self-reliance in strengthening India’s combat preparedness.
He also underlined the need for India to develop and manufacture a fighter jet engine domestically as part of efforts to strengthen indigenous aerospace capabilities.
The Air Chief’s comments come as the IAF seeks to balance immediate fleet requirements with longer-term plans for indigenous fifth-generation fighter capability.
