NEW DELHI — India’s Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has described Pakistan’s potential acquisition of fifth-generation fighter jets with Chinese assistance as a “concern” for India, while asserting that the Indian Air Force has sufficient capabilities to deal with the emerging threat.
Speaking at an annual press conference ahead of India’s Air Force Day on Oct. 8, Singh said India had received information that Pakistan was preparing to acquire fifth-generation fighter aircraft and that Pakistani pilots were already undergoing training in China.
“So, this is certainly a matter of concern,” Singh said. “But does that mean the situation is completely adverse? I do not think so. We have the capability.”
The Indian Air Force chief stressed that the outcome of a conflict would not be determined by a single advanced fighter aircraft. Rather, he said, the effectiveness of any platform depends on how effectively it is integrated with a country’s broader military systems.
Referring to India’s 2025 “Operation Sindoor”, launched following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Singh said Pakistan had possessed other military platforms at the time but had not achieved any significant gains during the operation.
He said India must ensure that its existing and newly inducted weapons and platforms are properly integrated and capable of responding effectively to current threats.
Singh suggested that India could rely on its existing capabilities to counter the potential threat until Pakistan fully integrates any new fifth-generation aircraft into its military system. He nevertheless stressed the importance of long-term planning and timely decision-making.
The air chief also acknowledged concerns over the declining strength of India’s fighter squadrons. He said the Indian Air Force would need between 36 and 42 fighter aircraft each year in the coming years and warned that delays in induction would be detrimental to the force.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has indicated that it could increase annual aircraft production to more than 24 units, while India’s proposed Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme is expected to further boost fighter induction, Singh said.
Regarding the MRFA programme, he said the contract was expected to be signed within the current financial year, subject to the completion of the required procedures and other pending work.
India had earlier approved a proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under a government-to-government framework. Negotiations and other aspects of the proposed deal are currently underway.
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