Tejas Combat Jet Delays Hurt IAF: Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh's 2026 Warning
Delays in the Tejas combat jet programme are hurting the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said on October 3, 2026. With fighter squadrons down to 29 against a sanctioned 42, the IAF needs 36–40 jets annually. The force is pressing for faster Tejas Mark-1A deliveries, the MRFA deal, and AMCA timelines.
Why Tejas Delays Are a Strategic Concern for the IAF
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has warned that slow induction of Tejas combat aircraft is weakening the Indian Air Force at a time when air power is becoming more decisive. He said the delays are directly affecting the force's ability to maintain combat-ready squadrons.
The IAF chief stressed that air power is increasingly crucial for dealing with modern security challenges. Without timely deliveries, the force risks falling short of its operational requirements.
IAF's Fighter Squadron Shortfall: 29 vs 42
The IAF's fighter squadron strength has fallen to 29, well below the officially sanctioned 42. This gap is a major concern for the force, which needs at least 36–40 new fighter jets every year for the next few years.
Air Chief Marshal Singh hopes the situation will improve with the induction of indigenous Tejas Mark-1A aircraft and Rafale jets to be procured under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme.
MRFA Deal: 114 Rafale Jets and FY27 Timeline
India is aiming to finalize the MRFA deal within the current financial year if negotiations proceed as planned. In February, the government cleared a long-pending proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets under a government-to-government framework with France.
Price negotiations and other critical issues are still being finalized. Air Chief Marshal Singh said he hopes the deal can be signed this financial year, but added that it is a two-way process between Indian and French sides.
Tejas Mark-1A and HAL Delivery Delays
The IAF chief flagged serious concerns over delays in the supply of Tejas Mark-1A jets by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). In February 2021, the Defence Ministry signed a ₹48,000 crore deal with HAL for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets. The first delivery was scheduled for March 2024, but not a single jet has been supplied so far.
In September last year, another deal worth ₹62,370 crore was signed with HAL to procure 97 Tejas MK-1A light combat aircraft. Responding to a question on the delays, Air Chief Marshal Singh said, “It is going to hurt us.”
AMCA, Su-57, and Future Fighter Options
The IAF is looking forward to receiving Tejas Mark-1A jets, aircraft under the MRFA programme, Tejas Mark 2s, and combat planes under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
However, Air Chief Marshal Singh indicated that the IAF may consider another platform if the AMCA programme faces delays. Russia has offered Su-57 jets, but no decision has been made yet.
Theaterisation After Operation Sindoor
On the proposed theaterisation plan, Air Chief Marshal Singh said the structure is being reviewed with a fresh perspective following Operation Sindoor. He made it clear that the IAF is not against theatre commands and has been part of discussions throughout.
According to the IAF chief, discussions on theaterisation have taken a slightly different direction after Operation Sindoor because the force gained first-hand experiences. The government announced the theaterisation plan in 2019 to improve synergy among the three services, but there has been no visible forward movement.
Under the model, each theatre command would integrate units of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single entity responsible for a specified geographical territory. At present, the three services have separate commands.
AI-Augmented Air Power and Indigenous Engines
Air Chief Marshal Singh emphasized the growing importance of air power in the current geopolitical context. He said India needs to further ramp up its air power and modernise the IAF through artificial intelligence.
He described the future force as “AI-augmented,” but added that humans will continue to take critical decisions. The IAF chief also underlined the need for India to produce a fighter jet engine domestically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Tejas delays hurting the IAF?
The IAF's fighter squadron strength has dropped to 29 from the sanctioned 42. Delays in Tejas Mark-1A deliveries prevent the force from replacing retiring aircraft and maintaining combat readiness.
What is the MRFA deal?
The Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal is a proposed procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France under a government-to-government framework. India hopes to finalize it in the current financial year.
How many Tejas jets has HAL delivered?
As of October 2026, HAL has not delivered any Tejas Mark-1A jets to the IAF, despite the first delivery being scheduled for March 2024.
What is AMCA?
AMCA stands for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, an indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet programme. The IAF is looking forward to it but may consider other options if delays occur.
What did the IAF chief say about theaterisation?
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said the IAF is not against theatre commands. The plan is being reviewed with a fresh perspective after Operation Sindoor.
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