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Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Friday underscored the urgent need to accelerate the induction of advanced indigenous fighter jets to fill the service’s rapidly depleting squadron strength, hinting that orders for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A could shift toward the more capable Tejas Mk2.
Speaking at his annual press conference ahead of the 93rd Air Force Day, the Air Chief described the Tejas Mk2 as “an extension of the Mk1A,” but with a clear leap in capability. “It’s a bigger platform, same generation, but able to carry more and bigger weapons, with superior range and endurance,” he said, stressing that the Mk2 “fits very much in the IAF’s long-term force structure.”
He added that had the Mk2 program stayed fully on schedule, “the next lot of LCA Mk1A could have been Mk2s, that may still happen even now,” signalling flexibility in aligning future orders with the upgraded variant.
The remarks come just days after the Defence Ministry inked a Rs 62,370 crore contract with HAL for 97 additional LCA Mk1A fighters. Deliveries of these aircraft, featuring over 64% indigenous content and 67 new enhancements, are scheduled to begin in 2027-28 and are expected to conclude by 2034.
However, the IAF Chief made clear that production speed, not just platform evolution, is the real bottleneck. “The Air Force needs at least two squadrons a year, around 30 to 40 fighters annually, to replace its ageing fleet,” he said. The IAF currently operates around 30 fighter squadrons, which is short of its sanctioned strength of 42, as older MiG-21, MiG-27, and Jaguar aircraft retire in quick succession.
On the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, Air Chief Marshal Singh expressed optimism about meeting targets. “The AMCA’s first flight is planned around 2028, with induction by 2035. I believe this timeline can be achieved, or even bettered, if we stay focused. The technology is now fairly clear in our mind, what we need, and where it’s available,” he said.
‘Shift 97 Mk1A to Mk2’: Former IAF Chief’s Call for Capability Leap
Echoing the same sentiment, former Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria recently told BharatShakti that India should fast-track the transition to the Mk2 instead of committing to another large Mk1A batch.
“Mark 2 is a stepping stone in many ways,” he said. “I personally feel the 97 should shift to Mk-2. If we place the order quickly, concurrent production can start – this would make a huge difference to timelines and capability.”
Bhadauria, who as Chief had greenlit key steps in the indigenous fighter roadmap, emphasised that the Mk2 offers greater payload, endurance, and advanced avionics, making it the right platform to sustain India’s tactical edge through the next decade.
Also Read: Shift 97 Mk1A to Mk-2: Ex-IAF Chief’s Bold Call on LCA Orders
With over 350 LCAs expected to enter service across the Mk1, Mk1A, and Mk2 variants, both serving and former IAF Chiefs appear aligned on one strategic imperative – the need to close the squadron gap fast, with platforms that can evolve in capability, not just in numbers.
Ravi Shankar
Dr Ravi Shankar has over two decades of experience in communications, print journalism, electronic media, documentary film making and new media.
He makes regular appearances on national television news channels as a commentator and analyst on current and political affairs. Apart from being an acknowledged Journalist, he has been a passionate newsroom manager bringing a wide range of journalistic experience from past associations with India’s leading media conglomerates (Times of India group and India Today group) and had led global news-gathering operations at world’s biggest multimedia news agency- ANI-Reuters. He has covered Parliament extensively over the past several years. Widely traveled, he has covered several summits as part of media delegation accompanying the Indian President, Vice President, Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister and Finance Minister across Asia, Africa and Europe.
