Indian Air Force Plans Major Expansion of Advanced Fighter Fleet
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively planning to significantly expand its inventory with newer-generation fighter aircraft, according to a senior official. Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, made this announcement during a press briefing ahead of the upcoming Exercise Vayushakti-26.
Rafale Deal and Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft Acquisition
Air Marshal Kapoor emphasized that the IAF is looking forward to inducting "a lot more" multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA). While the Rafale jet, which played a crucial role during Operation Sindoor, remains a prominent candidate, the final decision on whether to proceed with additional Rafale acquisitions or opt for other aircraft is still under active consideration. "The sooner, the better," Kapoor stated, highlighting the urgency of modernizing the air force's capabilities.
This statement comes just before a crucial Defence Acquisition Council meeting, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The council is expected to review several high-value defence proposals, potentially including a deal with France for 114 Rafale jets for the IAF and six additional P-8I Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy.
Exercise Vayushakti-26 to Showcase Air Power
The upcoming Exercise Vayushakti-26, scheduled at the Pokhran field firing range, will demonstrate full-spectrum operations by a diverse array of aircraft. This includes fighter jets like Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30MKI, and MiG-29, as well as helicopter platforms such as LCH, Apache, and Chinook. More than 120 aircraft and helicopters will participate in the exercise, which aims to highlight the IAF's successful role in Operation Sindoor.
The exercise will also feature advanced weapon systems, including Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM), Akash, SpyDer, and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), conducting missions during day, dusk, and night conditions.
Strategic Messaging and Indigenous Focus
Air Marshal Kapoor noted that this biennial demonstration "assumes a different connotation" following last year's Operation Sindoor. It will reaffirm the IAF's dominance in airspace, multi-domain operations, and its ability to deliver decisive effects using indigenous platforms, aligning with the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India).
When asked if the exercise, conducted near the western border, sends a strategic message to Pakistan, Kapoor responded, "We will do our demonstration. What message will go out to anyone? It is up to you to decide."
Clarification on Operation Sindoor Attacks
Addressing questions about attacks on Pakistan's Kirana Hills, rumored to be a nuclear arsenal base during Operation Sindoor, the Vice Chief clarified, "We attacked terror infrastructure and several of their military installations. This is absolutely true." He dismissed videos of the Kirana Hills explosions, stating they were presented by Pakistani sources and that the IAF's actions were focused solely on terror and military targets.
Kapoor also mentioned that certain long-range missile profiles will not be demonstrated during the exercise, without providing further details.
