Context:

The Empowered Committee for Capability Enhancement of the Indian Air Force (IAF), chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, has submitted its report to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. 

·        This report outlines key measures to address the IAF’s fighter jet shortfall, enhance self-reliance in defence manufacturing, and modernize India’s air combat capabilities. Initially scheduled for submission in January, the report was delayed but is now set to guide policy decisions on national air defence.

Fighter Jet Shortage and Operational Challenges

Current Strength and Requirements

• The IAF currently operates 31 fighter squadrons, significantly below the sanctioned strength of 42.5 squadrons.
• Several existing aircraft, including the Jaguar, MIG-29UPG, and Mirage-2000, are set to be phased out by the end of the decade.
• The IAF must acquire 35-40 fighter jets annually to maintain combat readiness, according to Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh.

Planned Inductions and Delays

• Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A: HAL has committed to delivering 12 aircraft in 2025 and increasing production to 24 units in 2026.
• LCA-Mk2: Currently under development, expected to replace older fighter jets.
• Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA): India’s fifth-generation fighter jet, anticipated to be operational within a decade.

Indigenisation and Private Sector Involvement

Aatmanirbharta in Defence Manufacturing

• The report highlights the need to strengthen domestic aerospace capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• Greater involvement of private sector firms is recommended to support the efforts of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Strategic Objectives

• Enhance efficiency in aircraft production.
• Reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.
• Expedite the delivery of critical defence equipment.

Government’s Response and Policy Direction

Formation of the Empowered Committee

The committee was constituted on the direction of the Defence Minister to holistically assess the challenges faced by the IAF and develop a comprehensive action plan. It includes:

• Chairperson: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
• Members:
• Vice Chief of Air Staff
• Secretary, Defence Production
• Secretary, Department of Defence R&D & Chairman, DRDO
• Director-General, Acquisition
• Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Member Secretary)

Implementation Strategy

• The Defence Minister has endorsed the recommendations and instructed that they be followed up in a time-bound manner.
• Immediate steps will focus on accelerating fighter jet production and addressing short-term capability gaps.
• Long-term measures will be directed toward developing advanced indigenous aircraft and strengthening defence manufacturing.

Conclusion

The Empowered Committee’s report provides a clear roadmap for modernizing the IAF, addressing its fighter jet shortfall, and strengthening indigenous defence capabilities. The timely implementation of these recommendations will be critical in ensuring India’s air superiority and national security amid evolving regional security challenges.