1. Why does India need 42 fighter squadrons?

India’s defense doctrine requires at least 42 fighter squadrons to maintain air superiority on both its western (Pakistan) and eastern (China) fronts. This number is essential for sustaining combat readiness during a two-front war scenario, a strategic concern that has grown more urgent given China’s expanding air force and Pakistan’s modernization efforts.

2. How many fighter squadrons does India currently have in 2025?

As of 2025, India has around 29 to 30 active fighter squadrons, which is far below the sanctioned requirement. This shortfall significantly impacts India's ability to conduct simultaneous operations on two fronts.

3. How does India’s air power compare with China’s?

China has a vastly superior fleet with over 1,500 advanced fighter jets across 66+ squadrons, including stealth J-20s and 4.5-generation fighters. India, with only 30 squadrons, lags in both quantity and fifth generation technology.

4. Is India’s air force stronger than Pakistan’s?

Technologically, yes. India has superior platforms like Rafale and Sukhoi Su-30MKI. However, Pakistan’s 24–26 squadrons now rival India’s squadron count. With modern additions like JF-17 Block III, F-16s, and J-10CE, Pakistan is rapidly closing the capability gap.

5. What fighter jets is India retiring?

India is retiring aging platforms such as the MiG-21 Bison, SEPECAT Jaguar, MiG-27, and eventually the MiG-29 and Mirage-2000 by the early 2030s. These retirements are accelerating the squadron strength decline.

6. What indigenous aircraft are being developed by India?

India is focusing on three key indigenous programs: Tejas Mk1A – Upgraded version of the LCA Tejas (83 ordered, 97 more planned) Tejas Mk2 – A medium-weight fighter expected by 2030 AMCA – India’s first 5th-generation stealth fighter, under development with the first prototype targeted by 2032

7. What is the status of India’s MRFA (114 fighter jets) deal?

The MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) deal aims to procure 114 advanced jets via global tender with “Make in India” provisions. As of 2025, the final Request for Proposal (RFP) is still pending, delaying acquisitions from global OEMs like Dassault, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin.

8. Will India acquire any fifth generation fighter jets soon?

India has yet to induct any fifth generation fighters. The AMCA project is still in development. Meanwhile, India is exploring the possibility of acquiring 2–3 squadrons of 5th-gen aircraft from abroad, possibly as a stop gap measure.

9. How does India’s air force compare with smaller neighbors like Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?

India maintains overwhelming superiority over smaller neighbors: Bangladesh: Operates 40 aging fighters like F-7s and MiG-29s Myanmar: Fields ~30 aircraft, including Su-30SME and JF-17s Sri Lanka: Has a few aging Kfirs and F-7s for basic air defense

10. What are the biggest threats if India fails to rebuild its squadron strength?

If India doesn't accelerate modernization: Numerical disadvantage in a two front war will persist Air superiority in critical regions like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh could be lost Attrition and maintenance burdens will rise Deterrence against China and Pakistan will weaken

India Fighter Jet Crisis: Airpower Gap with China & Pakistan

Two Front War Reality Check: India’s Fighter Strength in Perspective.

Last updated: August 24, 2025 2:00 AM

Parihar Himanshu Singh

ByParihar Himanshu Singh

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Himanshu Singh Parihar is the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of The News Drill, an Indian digital news platform committed to factual, unbiased reporting and challenging false narratives....

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37 Min Read

Pakistan’s Air Force: Modernization Drive

Pakistan remains a critical concern. Although its air arm is smaller (25 squadrons, 450–500 fighters), the PAF has undertaken an aggressive modernization in recent years:

JF-17 Thunder: The backbone of PAF’s fleet. About 150+ JF-17s have been built in Pakistan (Block-I, II, and III variants). The latest Block-III jets (with AESA radar, IRST, helmet mounted display) began inducting in 2023. Pakistan also recently showcased JF-17 exports (Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Myanmar) and is planning a next-gen “JF-17 PFX” to replace the oldest airframes. The JF-17 production line is reportedly expanding (22–24 jets/year delivered recently).

F-16 Fighting Falcons: Pakistan operates around 80–90 F-16s (Block 15/52), mostly upgraded under US/FMS programs. These remain potent multirole jets with modern missiles. Islamabad also briefly renamed F-16s as “F-21” to pitch to India in the MRFA tender. However, the U.S. supplies are now limited; Pakistan’s focus has shifted to Chinese jets.

J-10CE and J-31: China’s deepening role. In 2022–23 Pakistan took delivery of 30+ J-10CE fighters (export variant of China’s J-10C). These are larger, longer range fighters equipped with PL-15 missiles, and represent the PAF’s entry into 4.5-generation jets. Pakistan also claimed a deal to acquire Chengdu J-31 (“Gyrfalcon”) stealth jets, though details are murky. Even talk of a joint 5th gen project (with Turkey) is underway.

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Survivability and Drones: The PAF has also bolstered AWACS (Saab 2000 Erieye) and inducted Turkish Akinci TB-2/UAVs to improve situational awareness. Improved Chinese surface to air missiles (HQ-9, HQ-16) add a formidable air defense umbrella over Pakistan.

The net effect is that Pakistan’s air power is resurging. Some estimates suggest the PAF could even approach numerical parity with India’s fighter count by 2035 if trends continue. Crucially, Islamabad is narrowing the gap in capabilities: the PAF’s new AESA radars, beyond visual range missiles (e.g. PL-15), and planned stealth jets threaten to negate India’s qualitative edge. In practical terms, India can no longer assume air superiority over Pakistan. Combined with smaller size, this means any conflict with Pakistan will be fought on a much tougher playing field than in the 1990s.