Indian Air Force Outlines Acquisition Plans for 2025-26 to Strengthen Operational Readiness

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has outlined its strategic procurement plans for the financial year 2025-26, with a focus on augmenting its operational strengths along borders with China and Pakistan.

As per a recent report by the Standing Committee on defense tabled in Parliament, the IAF is looking to procure a range of sophisticated equipment such as low-level radars, TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Light Utility Helicopters (LUH), multi-role helicopters, and mid-air refuelers.

One of the major priorities will be the indigenous upgrading of Russian-origin Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft.

The IAF will also seek to acquire sophisticated Signal Intelligence and Communication Jamming planes, and Airborne Early Warning and Control systems to augment its capabilities.

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The Defence Ministry has announced that in the past five years, including the current financial year through December 31, 2024, the IAF has acquired and upgraded aircraft worth about ₹1,39,596.60 crore.

This investment is one part of a larger drive for defense manufacturing self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The IAF is prioritizing domestic production of all types of aircraft, such as fighters, transport aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and related weapon systems.

In indigenous purchases, the IAF has invested significantly in various systems in the last five years. These consist of approach radars, missile systems, aircraft, full mission simulators, trainer aircraft, counter-drone systems, close-in-weapon systems, high-power radars, aero engines, avionics upgrade, and static trans receivers.

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As a part of its self-reliance strategy, the IAF has engaged Bharat Electronics Limited for acquisition of low-level transportable radars for ₹2,906 crore.

These radars would improve the detection capability of a large number of aerial targets and enhance operational preparedness, advancing India's larger defense strategy of minimizing dependence on foreign technology.

These purchases are essential to updating the IAF's fleet and increasing its readiness to meet changing security threats in the region.