IAF Chief Hints at Foreign Fifth-Gen Fighter Option if AMCA Is Delayed, Cites Russia's Su-57 Offer
The air chief said the force needs 36 to 40 aircraft a year and may seek another platform if the AMCA program is delayed.
- On Saturday, October 3, 2026, Air Chief Marshal Singh announced India aims to finalize the MRFA deal by the end of the current financial year.
- India cleared the proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets in February 2026 under a government-to-government framework with France to boost the Indian Air Force's combat prowess.
- Addressing the depleting strength of fighter squadrons, Singh stated the IAF needs at least 36 to 40 aircraft annually in the next few years to sustain combat capability.
- While Russia has offered Su-57 jets, Singh noted no decision has been made; the IAF may seek alternative platforms if the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme faces delays.
- Air Chief Marshal Singh stressed modernization is essential, stating "We have to have an AI-augmented force," while emphasizing that self-reliance and domestic fighter jet engine production are crucial for combat readiness.
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India May Not Wait for AMCA, IAF Chief Says India May Consider Other Fighters?
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh addressed the annual press conference in Delhi, highlighting the need to strengthen the country’s fighter aircraft inventory. Speaking about the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) fifth-generation fighter programme, he said that if delays continue, the IAF may have to consider other options. He noted that Russia has offered the Su-57 fighter jet, while stressing that no decision has been take…
Air Force Chief AP Singh said that 36-40 fighter aircraft must be inducted every year to prevent squadron strength from declining. Delays harm capabilities. Pakistan-China cooperation is a matter of concern.
‘A lesson for us’: IAF chief AP Singh on Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, Russia's Su-57 jets, AMCA fifth-gen, honeytrap
At his annual press conference in New Delhi on Saturday, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh spoke on a host of issues involving a delay in the AMCA fifth-generation fighter programme. He also said that Russia offered India its Su-57 jets. Here are the top quoted by IAF chief AP Singh:
The Economic Times
Times of IndiaIAF chief hints at foreign fifth-gen fighter option if AMCA is delayed, cites Russia's Su-57 offer
IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has indicated that India could examine foreign fifth-generation fighter options if the indigenous AMCA programme is delayed. Russia has offered its Su-57 fighter, although Singh said no decision has been taken. The IAF is also seeking to expand its fighter fleet as squadron strength remains below the authorised level.
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