IAF Charts Path from Chaos to Clarity: Plans to Replace Mixed Fighter Fleet with Unified Indigenous Powerhouse

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is embarking on a transformative journey, aiming to untangle decades of logistical complexity created by its diverse fighter aircraft inventory. For years, India has operated an eclectic mix of jets from various countries—MiG-21s and Su-30MKIs from Russia, Mirage 2000s and Rafales from France, Jaguars from the UK, and the homegrown Tejas fighters. While each aircraft brought its own strengths to the table, the patchwork nature of the fleet has become increasingly unsustainable.

Today, the IAF operates seven distinct types of fighter jets, a result of legacy procurement choices made under differing geopolitical and operational needs. However, this diversity is now weighing heavily on the force. With only 31 active squadrons against an authorized strength of 42, the IAF is under pressure to not only modernize but also optimize how it maintains, supports, and deploys its combat assets.

Each aircraft type requires a unique set of tools, training, spare parts, and maintenance crews. With every additional vendor, the complexity multiplies. The older platforms, such as the MiG-21s (in service for over five decades) and Jaguars (around 45 years old), have become increasingly difficult to sustain. Spare parts are harder to procure, and safety concerns have grown, prompting scrutiny with each new incident involving these aging aircraft.

At the same time, India’s frontline capability currently relies heavily on the Su-30MKI, a powerful but maintenance-intensive platform. The Rafales, though highly capable, are fewer in number and expensive to operate. Meanwhile, the Tejas Mk1A, India’s indigenous light combat aircraft, is slowly becoming more prominent, with the more advanced Tejas Mk2 and the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) in the pipeline.

This operational mosaic is not only resource-draining but also hinders the IAF’s ability to maintain consistent readiness across its squadrons. Experts note that a nation like China, with more uniform aircraft fleets, benefits from simpler logistics and higher mission availability—a comparison that adds urgency to India’s restructuring plan.

To fix this, the IAF is now seriously considering a radical fleet rationalization. The goal is to bring down the fighter jet inventory to three or four core aircraft types. This would not only streamline training, spares, and maintenance but also bring much-needed clarity and efficiency to air operations. The focus is clearly shifting toward indigenous solutions, bolstered by growing capabilities within India’s aerospace industry.

The proposed future structure would see:

• Tejas Mk1A replacing legacy light fighters like the MiG-21,

• Tejas Mk2 taking over from the Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 as a medium-weight multirole fighter,

• AMCA, the future stealth fighter, stepping into the role of a high-end air dominance platform, and

• Rafale, retained in limited numbers for strategic and nuclear delivery missions.

An essential part of this streamlining is engine commonality. The GE F404 engine already powers the Tejas Mk1A, and the more advanced F414 engine has been selected for the Tejas Mk2 and the initial AMCA variants. Having multiple aircraft run on the same engine family reduces logistical stress dramatically. It simplifies everything from spare part inventory to maintenance crew specialization. Further ahead, a powerful indigenous engine is under development for future AMCA variants, aiming to boost self-reliance.

This strategic simplification of the IAF’s inventory is not just about reducing costs—it’s about increasing availability. Aircraft that are easier to maintain spend less time grounded. With fewer types, the force can invest deeper in training, infrastructure, and innovation. The savings in logistics, combined with higher operational readiness, could give the IAF a significant edge in future conflicts.

If this vision materializes, the IAF could realistically aim to reach its 42-squadron goal by the early 2040s. And unlike today, that force would be largely indigenous, modern, and logistically lean.

In the long run, this pivot from a cluttered, multi-vendor fleet to a streamlined, self-reliant structure could redefine India’s aerial warfare doctrine—boosting efficiency, resilience, and strategic independence for decades to come.