Indian Air Force requires 40 fighter aircrafts annually : Chief of the Air Staff

Indian Air Force Chief Marshal AP Singh

New Delhi – The Indian Air Force has an annual requirement of 30 to 40 fighter aircrafts. If this is met then the outdated ‘Miraj’, ‘Mig-29’ and ‘Jaguar’ could be retired clarified Air Chief Marshal AP Singh

Chief Air Staff Singh added –

1.The primary aim of the Air Force is fighter aircrafts manufactured in India; and for this increase in Private Sector participation of has to happen. Presently the Air Force has 31 squadrons (a group of 12 fighter aircrafts); but the requirement is for 42 squadrons. Hence the country shall annually build at least 30 to 40 fighter aircrafts. This is figure is not unattainable.

2.‘Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’ (HAL) has the capability of making 30 fighter aircrafts annually. If the Private Sector participates and manufactures 12 to 18 fighter aircrafts annually it can be done.