Overview

• The Air Force will pursue an Acceptance of Necessity from the Defence Acquisition Council within weeks to fast-track a government-to-government Rafale purchase under the MRFA programme
• With current strength at 31 fighter squadrons and MiG-21 retirements due next month, the IAF is set to drop to a historic low of 29 operational units
• Heavy Rafale deployments and contested aircraft losses during May’s Operation Sindoor exposed critical gaps in India’s air combat readiness
• IAF officials have formally flagged requirements for two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighters, eyeing Sukhoi-57 or F-35 jets as a bridge until AMCA production begins
• China’s upcoming delivery of at least 40 J-35A stealth fighters to Pakistan has intensified urgency to replenish and modernize India’s frontline fleet