Short-Term
The key operational requirements of IAF in the short-term for its new doctrinal focus towards counter-proxy wars include
- AWACS
- Close-in weapons for short-range battles
- Software Defined Radios (SDRs) to enhance inter-service communication
Long-Term
- IAF has been facing a severe shortage of fighter aircrafts with its current strength reduced to 32 squadrons against the sanctioned strength of 42.
- With MiG 21 and MiG 27 due to retire by 2025 the squadron strength will be reduced to 22 in the next 15 years.
- The efforts to augment the squadron strength with LCAs, Rafale and upgraded platforms of existing fighter jets are on.
- 40 Tejas Mk-1 will be delivered by 2023 and 83 Tejas MK-1A are ordered.
- 36 Rafale fighter jets to be delivered by April 2022
- The premier Air Defense Fighter aircraft, MiG-29, has undergone major upgrades recently
