IAF chief hints at foreign fifth-gen fighter option if AMCA is delayed, cites Russia's Su-57 offer

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has said the force may have to consider a foreign fighter option if delays affect the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. Speaking at his annual press conference in New Delhi, Singh said Russia has offered the Su-57, although no decision has been taken on acquiring the Russian fifth-generation fighter. He also said the IAF wants to increase the number of aircraft in its inventory as it works to address its fighter fleet shortfall.

The comments come as the IAF operates around 30 fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of about 42, while several existing aircraft are approaching retirement and maintaining older platforms is becoming increasingly difficult. The force is also pursuing additional Rafale fighters from France and has 180 indigenous LCA Mk1A aircraft on order.

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AMCA delay could open door to other options

Singh said the IAF would have to examine alternatives if the timeline for the indigenous AMCA fighter slips significantly.

“If there are delays in the AMCA fifth-generation fighter programme, we may have to look at other options. Russia has offered the Su-57, but no decision has been taken yet. We would like to increase the number of aircraft in our inventory,” Singh said.

The AMCA is intended to become India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter programme. The programme has now moved into the industry selection stage, with requests for proposals issued to shortlisted Indian companies. The bid submission deadline was recently extended to October 30 after prospective bidders sought more time to prepare their proposals.

The Russian Su-57 has been among the foreign fifth-generation aircraft discussed as a possible option for India. Russia has previously offered the fighter to India, including proposals involving local production, but New Delhi has not announced a decision to acquire it.

IAF fighter strength remains below authorised level

The IAF’s fleet numbers are a major consideration behind the push for additional fighters.

The force currently has around 30 operational fighter squadrons, compared with an authorised strength of roughly 42.

Addressing the depletion in the IAF’s fighter fleet, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said the force needs to induct around 36 to 40 aircraft every year to maintain and gradually build up its squadron strength.

“We need 36 to 40 aircraft every year,” Singh said while speaking about the declining number of fighter squadrons.

Highlighting the importance of fighter strength, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said air power remains a crucial component of a country’s overall military capability.

“Air power remains crucial in the context of overall military strength,” Singh said.

The retirement of older platforms has added to the pressure. The IAF has sought faster deliveries of new aircraft, while delays affecting indigenous programmes have created concerns over the pace at which additional squadrons can be formed.

Singh has previously spoken about the need to prevent further erosion of the IAF’s fighter strength and has called for faster production and induction of new aircraft.

114 Rafales also being pursued

Alongside the indigenous fighter programmes, India is pursuing the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighters from France for the IAF.

The IAF already operates 36 Rafale aircraft acquired from France. The proposed additional 114-aircraft programme is aimed at adding to the force’s combat aircraft inventory, with plans under discussion for substantial production in India.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said recently that the 114-Rafale programme could be finalised by the end of the current financial year, while Dassault Aviation has agreed to integrate Indian weapons with the aircraft.

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180 Tejas Mk1A fighters on order

The IAF is also relying on the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft programme to add numbers to its fleet.

The service has orders covering 180 LCA Mk1A fighters through two contracts. However, deliveries of the first 83-aircraft order have been delayed, and the Ministry of Defence has set out a separate delivery schedule for the second batch of 97 aircraft beginning in September 2027.

Asked whether Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) would face any penalty over delays in the LCA Mk1A programme, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said delays can occur when planned timelines are disrupted, but acknowledged that the delay in this case had been significant.

“It happens that you plan something, but things get delayed. But this time, the delay has been much. We are also looking towards Mark 2. All these will be able to fill in the gaps that exist,” Singh said.

IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit said in September that technical issues affecting the Mk1A programme were expected to be resolved within two months, clearing the way for induction.