Parliamentary Committee Concerned Over Inadequate Capital Funding, Delay in Supply of Aircraft to IAF

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New Delhi: With the country moving towards global leadership, security threats from neighbours has also become more prominent, which should be suitably addressed, therefore, observed a Parliamentary Committee that felt that IAF should always be combat-ready to counter a two-front collusive threat.

In its report tabled in Parliament, the 31 –member Committee chaired by BJP member Jual Oram noted that there has been considerable delay in the supply of 40 LCA from HAL to IAF and as on date, 38 aircraft have reached the Air Force. The case of procurement of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft, in advanced stage, in case it also goes LCA or Kaveri ways, the Government should consider buying state of the art fifth generation fighter aircraft over the counter without losing time to keep the force in a comfortable position.

The Committee also observed that the capital funding provided to IAF is not at all commensurate with the envisaged requirements such as buying a large number of fighter aircraft. In light of this factor, the Committee urged the Ministry of Defence to take necessary steps in consultation with the Ministry of Finance so that procurement of fighter aircraft is not further delayed due to want of funds.

The Committee observed that the capital funding provided to IAF is not at all commensurate with the envisaged requirements such as buying a large number of fighter aircraft. In light of this factor, the Committee urged the Ministry of Defence to take necessary steps in consultation with the Ministry of Finance to that procurement of fighter aircraft is not further delayed due to want of funds.

“In no uncertain terms, we recommend that the Ministry of Defence may take a final decision, chalk out a trajectory, and begin the planning process for the third aircraft carrier, which would eventually enhance India’s maritime capabilities,” it said.

The committee also stated that there was a “considerable delay” in the delivery of 40 TEJAS jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a public sector defence project.

Furthermore, several projects are currently ongoing in India’s aerospace ecosystem. The HAL and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) are collaborating to develop Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). TEJAS MK-2 is yet another ambitious undertaking based on HAL’s Tejas fighter aircraft design. TEJAS MK-2 expands on TEJAS MK-1A.

While many programs aim to advance India’s manufacturing technology, the IAF stays focused on the need for next-generation tech-ready combat jets for potential future conflicts. Simply stated, if such situations occur, the IAF must carry out its mandate. The IAF’s Perspective Plan examines it through the lens of its combat assets, which are generally defined as 42 squadrons. The IAF currently has 30 units. Furthermore, the IAF plans to phase out its final four MiG-21 squadrons by 2025, reducing squadron strength to its lowest level.