The Indian Air Force (IAF), one of the most critical components of India’s defense infrastructure, is currently grappling with a major concern—the depleting number of its fighter jet squadrons. Over the years, it has been consistently stated that the country requires at least 42 squadrons of fighter jets to address external threats effectively and maintain air superiority. However, the IAF currently operates only 30 to 32 squadrons of fighter jets, well below the required number. With the Union Budget 2025 approaching, this shortage of fighter jets has become a pressing issue that needs immediate attention.

The Indian Air Force plays a pivotal role in securing India's skies against external threats, and the dwindling number of squadrons puts the nation's air defense capability at risk. The budget allocation for the IAF needs to be increased to ensure expedited fighter jet acquisitions from countries like the United States, France, or Russia. Alternatively, there should be significant focus on providing HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) and DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) with the necessary parts, including engines, to facilitate the induction of Tejas fighter jets.

Current Strength of the Indian Air Force
Currently, the IAF operates a mix of fighter jets, including the Dassault Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, Dassault Mirage 2000, and MiG-21. However, the current fleet is struggling to keep up with the growing demands of modern-day warfare. The Tejas Mk-1A and its follow-up, the Tejas Mk-2, were expected to play a crucial role in addressing the squadron shortage, but the delays in engine supply by General Electric (GE) have led to a hold-up in their induction. This further hampers the IAF’s ability to replace outdated and retiring aircraft, exacerbating the already existing gap in air defense strength.

To make matters worse, the Indian Air Force is unable to match the technological advancements seen in China's air force. China has made significant strides in developing stealth fighter jets, and the recent unveiling of a 6th generation fighter jet has highlighted the growing military technological gap between the two countries. While India boasts a variety of fighter jets, the lack of a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet is a glaring shortcoming. The current fleet lacks the stealth technology needed to counter modern-day threats, making it imperative for India to focus on acquiring these advanced jets.

The Need for a Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet
China’s advancements in military technology, particularly its stealth aircraft and 6th generation fighter jets, have brought the air defense gap between India and China into sharp focus. With increasing tensions in the region, the Indian Air Force’s inability to match the technological edge of its adversaries could compromise national security. It is evident that India needs to urgently acquire fifth-generation fighter jets that come equipped with stealth technology.

The Union Budget 2025 should address these concerns by allocating sufficient capital outlay to support the procurement of fifth-generation aircraft. This will not only help to bridge the technological gap but also ensure that the Indian Air Force remains at par with China and Pakistan in terms of air defense capabilities. A strategic acquisition process needs to be launched to acquire these advanced aircraft either from international suppliers or through indigenous development initiatives.

What Should the Budget 2025 Address?
With the Union Budget 2025 right around the corner, the government needs to place a significant focus on strengthening the country’s air defense capabilities. The primary areas that require attention in the budget are:

1. Increased allocation for fighter jets: The government must prioritize the acquisition of new jets to address the squadron depletion issue.

2. Funding for Tejas Mk-1A and Mk-2 induction: Timely delivery of engines from General Electric is crucial for the induction of the Tejas Mk-1A and Mk-2, which are expected to form the backbone of India’s air defense in the coming years.

3. Capital outlay for fifth-generation fighter jets: India must focus on acquiring stealth fighter jets to bridge the technological gap with adversaries like China.

The Indian Air Force has long been at the forefront of defending the nation’s skies, but the current strength of its fighter jets leaves much to be desired. The Union Budget 2025 offers an opportunity to address these shortcomings and ensure that the IAF is equipped to handle the challenges posed by both regional and global threats.

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