Two major steps are being taken to strengthen the power of the Indian Air Force (IAF) - The production of Tejas Mark-1A is beginning, and there is a potential deal for 114 indigenous Rafale jets. Currently, the IAF has only 31 fighter squadrons, whereas 42 are required. These older aircraft like MiG-21 are retiring, reducing strength.
With Tejas Mk1A and Rafale, the IAF will not only be strong in numbers but will also become part of the most technologically advanced air forces in the world.
Tejas is India's first indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Mark-1A is its advanced version, better than Mark-1.
Source: aajtak
Current Status:
A contract for 83 Tejas Mk1A worth 480 billion Rupees was signed in 2021. In August 2025, the government approved an additional 97 jets for 620 billion Rupees, totaling 180 jets (10 squadrons). The first Mk1A, originally set to be delivered by June 2025 from the Nasik facility, was delayed to September 2025 due to GE's F404 engine delays. The first jet is expected to reach the IAF by the end of September 2025. HAL will deliver 12 jets in 2025-26. By 2031-32, all 180 jets will be delivered, with over 70% indigenous content.
Features:
The Mk1A is equipped with an AESA radar (Uttam or Israeli EL/M-2052), improved electronic warfare, Astra BVR missiles, and ASRAAM missiles. It's lightweight (13.5 tons), fast (Mach 1.6), and multi-role capable - aerial combat, ground attack, and interception. During Operation Sindoor, the Mark-1 stopped Pakistani infiltration, and the Mk1A will enhance this capability.
Rafale, a sophisticated multi-role fighter from France, joined the IAF through a 36 jet deal in 2016. Now, a deal for 114 'Make in India' Rafale is under consideration.
Source: aajtak
Current Situation:
In September 2025, the IAF proposed a plan to the Ministry of Defense worth 2 trillion Rupees. It will be a government-to-government deal, with more than 60% indigenous content. Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) will jointly manufacture fuselages in Hyderabad.
The initial 36 Rafales based in Ambala and Hasimara were successful in Operation Sindoor. The Navy is also receiving 26 Rafale-Ms. If approved, there will be a total of 176 Rafales (8-9 squadrons). The Defense Procurement Board is expected to decide by October 2025.
Features:
The two-engine Rafale (M88) has a speed of Mach 1.8, a range of 3,700 km, and can carry a payload of 9.5 tons. It comes with an RBE2 AESA radar, SPECTRA EW system (which evades enemy missiles), SCALP cruise missiles, and MICA air-to-air missiles. The indigenous Rafales will integrate Indian missiles like BrahMos-NG, allowing for strikes in high-threat areas.
Impact on IAF:
114 Rafales will form 6-7 squadrons. Along with the current 36, the total will exceed 150. During Operation Sindoor, Rafale outperformed Chinese PL-15 missiles. This will enhance IAF's strategic strike capabilities, particularly along China-Pakistan borders.
Current IAF Fleet:
31 fighter squadrons (Su-30MKI is the largest component with over 260 jets), but the MiG-21 (4 squadrons) will retire by 2025. The sanctioned strength is 42 squadrons, but numbers are decreasing. Tejas Mk1A and Rafale will fill this gap.
Source: aajtak
Increase in Numbers:
With Tejas Mk1A forming 10 squadrons (180 jets) and Rafale forming 6-7 (114 jets), the total will be 16-17 new squadrons. By 2035, the IAF could reach over 40 squadrons, with 294 new jets, replacing old ones.
Technical Strength:
Tejas is light and cost-effective (four times cheaper than Rafale), and Rafale can handle heavy payloads and has long range. Their combined multi-role capabilities will enhance air superiority, ground attack, and EW. Indigenous components make maintenance easier and reduce costs. Operations like Sindoor have proven their effectiveness.
Strategic Advantage:
Balancing against China (PLA Air Force: 2,000+ jets) and Pakistan (JF-17: 150+). Tejas Mk2 (first flight in 2025) and AMCA (5th generation) will further strengthen the IAF. Overall, the IAF's strength will increase by 30-40%, and domestic production will boost the economy.
Challenges include engine delays (GE F404) and production capacity (HAL's capacity), but manufacturing 24 jets per year from the Nasik line is possible. The Rafale deal involves seeking access to source code. By 2035, the IAF will have over 350 new jets, ranking among the world's top-3 air forces.
