IAF's Dwindling Fighter Squadrons: Challenges of Modernization and Self-Reliance
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Defence (Fighter Aircraft - MiG-21, Light Combat Aircraft - LCA Tejas, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft - AMCA; Defence procurement), Science & Technology (Generations of fighter jets), Governance (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited - HAL, Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Aeronautical Development Agency - ADA).
Mains:
GS Paper 3: Indigenization of technology and developing new technology; Security challenges and their management in border areas; various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.
Key Highlights from the News
After over six decades of service, the Indian Air Force's MiG-21 fighter jets will retire in September 2025.
With this, the Air Force's authorized capacity of 42 squadrons will be reduced to just 29 squadrons. This will lead to a significant reduction in the force's capabilities.
The delivery of the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A, which is supposed to replace the MiG-21, is delayed.
India's indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is still under development.
In this situation, the modernization of the air forces of China and Pakistan poses a major security challenge for India.
The Air Force aims to induct over 600 aircraft through LCA-Mk1A, LCA-Mk2, MRFA, and AMCA within the next two decades. However, the success of all these depends on timely production and deliveries.
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