There Are Critical Gaps In India's Air Power That Planners Must Take Note Of

Over the years, IAF has been pleading with successive govts to fill the critical gap in its fighter fleet, having a precariously low strength of 30 squadrons agains the sanctioned number of 42.

The Indian Air Force's 'Surya Kiran' aerobatic team performs during the 91st Air Force Day celebrations, in Prayagraj on October 8, 2023. ( Image Source :PTI )

China's Air Force may soon overtake the Indian Air Force (IAF), and this can become a serious challenge for India if not addressed immediately. Though the world rating agency (WDMMA) of air force fighting capabilities and strength recently ranked the IAF at third position and the Chinese Air Force at 4th, after US and Russia, giving some consolation to India's air warriors and strategic planners, if IAF commanders are also taking into account the possibility of fighting a two-front war, it would