India’s Air Force Aims for 60 Fighter Squadrons by 2047: Tejas and AMCA Key to Expansion
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has set an ambitious goal of expanding its fighter fleet to 60 squadrons by 2047, coinciding with India’s 100th year of independence. This plan is driven by the need to enhance national security and maintain aerial superiority in the face of evolving regional threats.
Currently, the IAF operates around 31 fighter squadrons, well below the sanctioned strength of 42 required to effectively counter challenges along India's borders with China and Pakistan. Each squadron typically consists of 18-20 aircraft, bringing the total fighter strength to approximately 550-600 jets. However, the phased retirement of aging MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 aircraft has led to a steady decline in operational capability.
To achieve its 2047 goal, the IAF is relying on a mix of domestic production, joint development with global partners, and direct acquisitions. This approach aligns with India's broader "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiatives aimed at boosting indigenous defense manufacturing.
The IAF's modernization efforts have already seen the induction of advanced aircraft such as the Rafale (36 delivered) and the Tejas Mk-1A (83 ordered, with 97 more approved). However, the challenge remains in scaling up production to close the squadron gap in a timely manner.
A key pillar of this expansion is the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The IAF has committed to at least 180 Tejas Mk-1 and Mk-1A jets, with the Tejas Mk-2—featuring a more powerful GE F-414 engine and enhanced capabilities—expected to enter service by the late 2020s. Over 200 Tejas Mk-2 jets are projected to be inducted by 2047.
Complementing the Tejas is the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter. Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL, the AMCA will feature cutting-edge stealth technology, supercruise capability, and advanced avionics. The IAF aims to procure at least 200 AMCA jets, forming 10-12 squadrons by 2047. Production is expected to commence in the mid-2030s, with the aircraft set to become a core element of India's air superiority strategy.
Despite a strong focus on indigenous production, the IAF will also rely on international acquisitions. The Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which seeks to procure 114 new fighter jets, will play a crucial role in bridging the capability gap. Leading contenders include the Rafale, F-15EX, F/A-18 Super Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Su-35. Once finalized, the MRFA contract will provide a critical boost to the IAF’s operational strength, allowing time for domestic programs to reach full maturity.
Expanding to 60 squadrons by 2047 will require the induction of around 500-600 new aircraft over the next two decades, nearly doubling the IAF’s current fighter strength. This challenge is underscored by China's rapidly growing air force, which already operates over 1,900 fighters, including advanced J-20 stealth jets, and Pakistan’s ongoing modernization efforts with the JF-17 and potential Chinese stealth aircraft acquisitions.
With a combination of indigenous production, foreign acquisitions, and strategic upgrades, the IAF’s vision of a 60-squadron force by 2047 remains an ambitious but achievable goal. The success of this plan will depend on sustained funding, streamlined procurement processes, and efficient execution of domestic aircraft programs like the Tejas and AMCA.
