MRFA deal likely by end of FY27, says IAF chief; annual need of 36-40 fighters

Responding to a question about the dwindling strength of fighter squadrons, Air Chief Marshal Singh said the IAF needs at least 36 to 40 aircraft per year in the next few years. File | Photo credit: PTI

India expects to finalize the much-awaited Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) agreement by the end of the current financial year, provided the ongoing process continues as planned, Air Chief AP Singh said on Saturday (Oct 3, 2026).

The proposed acquisition of 114 fighter jets is in the price negotiation phase, and discussions are also underway on other critical aspects of the program. Once closed, the deal will be the largest acquisition of combat aircraft by the Indian Air Force.

In February, the government approved a long-debated proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France through an intergovernmental framework. The proposal was part of India’s efforts to expand the IAF’s depleting fighter fleet and came nearly two decades after the request was first floated.

At a press conference ahead of Air Force Day on October 8, Mr Singh said the IAF could also look at acquiring another fighter platform if the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program faces delays.

“Russia has offered us Su-57 jets, but no decision has been made,” he said.

The comments come against the backdrop of a declining fighter squadron strength of the IAF and a long-standing demand to induct more aircraft. The Air Chief Marshal said the force would require a minimum of 36-40 combat aircraft every year for the next few years.

He emphasized the importance of Air Force in the overall military capability of the country and said that India needs to further strengthen its Air Force.

On force modernization, the IAF chief said artificial intelligence will play an important role in future operations.

“We need to have AI-augmented power,” he said, emphasizing that independence is critical to overall combat readiness. He also emphasized India’s need to develop and manufacture a fighter jet engine domestically, an area that remains a major challenge for the country’s aerospace industry.

Air Chief Marshal Singh specially praised flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for his conduct during the recent emergency, describing his actions as “exceptionally brave”.

“What he did is exceptionally brave. He showed great physical and mental determination. It’s a lesson for us,” he said.

The IAF chief said the incident demonstrated the importance of maintaining both physical and mental strength in dealing with situations that pose grave danger. Capt. Machchhar’s act received appreciation from several quarters and his family members were also felicitated by members of the public.

Published – 03 Oct 2026 14:52 IST