Big boost for IAF: Centre to clear HAL jet deal, speed up refueller, AEW&C buys

The recommendations come at a time when the IAF is grappling with a critical shortfall in fighter squadrons, currently operating 30 against the sanctioned strength of 42.5.

In a significant push to enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat readiness, a committee has reportedly recommended the fast-tracked induction of fighter jets, mid-air refuellers, and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems.

The government is now in the final stages of approving a Rs 67,000-crore deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1As, states a Hindustan Times report.

The high-level panel, chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, had submitted its classified report to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in March.

The recommendations come at a time when the IAF is grappling with a critical shortfall in fighter squadrons, currently operating 30 against the sanctioned strength of 42.5.

Notably, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh recently mentioned that the force needs to induct at least 40 jets annually to maintain combat capability.

The panel included top defence and aviation officials, including the Vice Chief of Air Staff, heads of DRDO and Defence Production, and the Director General (Acquisition).

Following the panel’s suggestions, this May, the defence ministry rolled out a blueprint for the development of India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), inviting both public and private players to participate in what is set to be a landmark defence project.

The IAF is, meanwhile, preparing to move forward with the long-pending Rs 1.5 lakh-crore Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme for 114 jets to be built in India in collaboration with a foreign partner, it has also been learnt from the report.

Procurement of six additional mid-air refuellers is also gaining momentum, with techno-commercial bids set to open soon. European, Russian, and Israeli vendors are in the fray for the deal, which will augment the IAF’s fleet currently limited to six aging Russian Ilyushin-78 tankers, states the report by Hindustan Times.

In February, the Defence Acquisition Council had reportedly cleared several acquisition proposals worth Rs 84,560 crore, including those for mid-air refuellers, as part of a broader effort to upgrade India’s defence capabilities.

The government is also expected to approve the construction of six AEW&C systems based on the Airbus A321 platform. The move, first reported by Hindustan Times on July 19, will further strengthen India's aerial surveillance network.

A high-level defence ministry committee is simultaneously reviewing the procurement process to slash acquisition timelines, from an average of 7-8 years to under 2 years, by addressing delays in RFP drafting, field trials, and contract negotiations, as per the report.