Two major steps are being taken to further strengthen the strength of the Indian Air Force (IAF) – the production of Tejas Mark -1 A begins. Possible for 114 indigenous Rafale aircraft. Currently, the Air Force has only 31 fighter squadron, while the required number is 42. These old aircraft like MiG-21 are retiring, which is decreasing strength. With Tejas MK1A and Rafael, the Air Force will not only strengthen in number, but also technically join the world’s most powerful Air Force.
Tejas Mark-1 A: New era of indigenous fighter aircraft
Tejas is India’s first indigenous light fighter aircraft (LCA), being produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Mark-1 A is its advanced version, which is better than Mark-1.
Current Status: In 2021, a contract of Rs 48,000 crore was signed for 83 Tejas MK1A. In August 2025, the government approved 97 and Rs 62,000 crore for jet aircraft, a total of 180 jets (10 squadrons). The first MK1A was to be transported from Nashik facility to June 2025, but was postponed by September 2025 due to GE’s delay in F404 engines. The first jet will be given to IAF by the end of September 2025. HAL will distribute 12 jet aircraft in 2025-26. All 180 aircraft will be distributed by 2031-32. It has more than 70% indigenous content.
Features: MK1A has AESA radar (Uttam or Israeli El/M-2052), advanced electronic warfare, Estra BVR missiles and Asraam missiles. It is lighter (13.5 tons), fast (MAC 1.6) and multi -Bhoomika – air war, ground attack and blockage – capable. In Operation Sindoor, Mark-1 prevented Pakistani infiltration, this would further strengthen the MK1A.
Impact on the Indian Air Force: These 180 jet aircraft will make 10 squadrons, which will replace the MiG-21. Currently there are 2 MK1 squadrons (40 jets), with MK1A this number will increase 8–10 squadron. Production capacity will be 24 jet per year. This will strengthen the indigenous capacity of the Indian Air Force. Dependence on imports will be low.
Swadeshi Rafael: New partnership with France
Rafael is France’s advanced multipurpose fighter aircraft, joining the Indian Air Force in 2016 with a deal of 36 jets. Now the deal of 114 ‘Make in India’ Rafael is being considered.
Current Status: In September 2025, the Indian Air Force proposed Rs 2 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defense. This will be a government-government deal, which would have more than 60% indigenous material. Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) will jointly construct its torso in Hyderabad.
The first 36 Rafael (in Ambala and Hasimara) was successful in Operation Sindoor. 26 Rafale-M of Navy are also coming. If the approval is received, the total number of Rafale will be 176 (8-9 squadron). The Defense Procurement Board will decide on this by October 2025.
Features: Rafael is two engines (M88), 1.8 Mac speed, 3700 km range and 9.5 tonnes of payload. It has Rbe2 AESA radar, Spectra EW System (which dodges enemy missiles), scalp cruise missiles and MICA air -to -air missiles. Indian missiles like BrahMos-NG will be integrated in Swadeshi Rafael. It can enter high-creating areas and attack them.
Impact on the Indian Air Force: 6-7 squadrons will be made from 114 Rafale aircraft. The total number will increase from the current 36 to 150+. Rafael aircraft defeated Chinese PL-15 missiles at Operation Sindoor. This will increase the strategic firepower of the Indian Air Force, especially on the China-Pakistan borders.
The current situation and the strength of the future: how much benefit?
The current fleet of the Indian Air Force: 31 squadron (maximum SU-30mki, 260+ jet), but MiG-21 (4 squadron) will retire by 2025. 42 squadron are approved, but the number is decreasing. Tejas MK1A and Rafael …
Increase in number: Tejas MK1A (180 jet) 10 squadron + 6-7 squadron of Rafale (114 jet) = 16-17 new squadron. By 2035 the Indian Air Force can reach 40+ squadron. A total of 294 new jets, which will replace old aircraft.
Technical capacity: Tejas is mild and cheaper (4 times cheaper than Rafael), Rafael’s payload is more heavy and more firepower is high. Also, multi -dialect capacity will also increase – air superiority, ground attack, EW. Easy maintenance from indigenous materials, low cost. This has been proved in campaigns like Operation Sindoor.
Strategic benefits: Balance against China (PLA Air Force: 2,000+ Jet) and Pakistan (JF-17: 150+). Tejas with MK2 (first flight in 2025) and AMCA (fifth generation) and strength. Overall, the capacity of the Indian Air Force will increase by 30–40%, promoting the economy by indigenous production.
Challenges and future
The engine delays (GE F404) and production (HAL’s capacity) are challenges, but 24 jets per year are possible from the Nashik line. Rafale deal requires access to source code. By 2035 more than 350 new jets will bring the Indian Air Force to the top-3 in the world.
