In a significant move to bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force, the Defence Ministry Committee has endorsed the acquisition of new multirole fighter aircraft, defense sources confirmed. This decision is aimed at addressing the long-standing requirements of the service.
The committee presented its findings on March 2, focusing on the strategic enhancement of the Air Force’s capabilities to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The report highlights the pressing need for 114 new multirole fighter jets to ensure the Air Force meets its operational demands on multiple fronts.
Additionally, the committee has outlined critical focus areas and provided recommendations for implementing enhancements in a phased approach—short, medium, and long-term—to achieve the Air Force’s capability elevation objectives efficiently.
The report emphasizes the importance of boosting ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in the aerospace industry, advocating for increased collaboration between the private sector and the Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) alongside the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Rajnath Singh acknowledged the committee’s efforts and instructed that the recommended actions be executed within a specified timeline.
