With the arrival of 114 more Rafales, IAF’s strength set to skyrocket – here’s what it means

The acquisition of 14 more Rafales will give the Indian Air Force six new squadrons, bringing the total Rafales to 150. Combined with indigenous LCA Mk1A (10 squadrons), Mk2 (6-7 squadrons) and AMCA (7 squadrons), the total number of squadrons could increase by 23-24. The overall strength could rise from the present 29 to over 50 squadrons, creating a powerful force against China and Pakistan.

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set for a major boost in combat strength with the acquisition of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets. The proposed acquisition has been approved by the Defence Acquisition Council, which will bring the total Rafale fleet to 150 aircraft.

This expansion will add six new squadrons, strengthening the IAF’s operational capacity and complementing the indigenous fighter programmes, including the LCA Mk1A, LCA Mk2 and the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

At present, the Air Force has 29 squadrons. It is still falling short of the ideal 42. The combined fleet of imported and homegrown fighters could increase the IAF to over 50 squadrons. This would create a strong and versatile force capable of handling challenges on multiple fronts.

At present, the IAF’s combat fleet includes Su-30MKIs in 12-13 squadrons, two Rafale squadrons, three squadrons each of Mirage 2000 and MiG-29, two squadrons of Tejas Mk1 and six Jaguar squadrons. With aging aircraft retiring over the next decade, the gap in operational readiness could grow unless the planned expansion proceeds swiftly.

Each squadron typically operates 16-18 fighters, and modern jets like the Rafale are organised with 18 aircraft per squadron.