Opinion | IAF’s Depleting Squadron Strength Shouldn’t Become A Boon For India’s Adversaries

A Rafale fighter jet of the IAF. The force currently has 31 operational fighter squadrons, against the sanctioned 42.

Source : PTI

From a depleting fleet strength to hurdles in its modernisation plans, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing some deep-rooted challenges in an increasingly uncertain and war-riddled world. While the matter has been in public discourse for a long time – and the government, along with the armed forces, is exploring several options to address this crisis – any further delay could now pose significant risk to the country’s national security, giving strategic advantage to adversaries