India’s air force faces critical shortfall vs China-Pakistan dual threat

The Indian Air Force now operates just 31 squadrons – far below the sanctioned strength of 42 and the lowest count since war with Pakistan nearly six decades ago.

These delays have forced the retirement of dozens of ageing Soviet-era planes without adequate replacements.

Acquiring and inducting new aircraft is a time-consuming process, Singh said earlier this month, citing not just procurement but also pilot training and operational support. He warned in separate remarks that maintaining squadron strength above 30 was crucial and suggested that private firms should work with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to expedite production of the new planes.

Defence experts echoed Singh’s concerns, highlighting the strategic vulnerability posed by India’s current fleet size – especially in a simultaneous two-front war with both Pakistan and China.