Over 200 More Fighter Jets Required In The Next 10 Years, Says IAF Chief Raha

The Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, today (28 December) said 200 to 250 more fighter aircraft were required to be inducted in the next 10 years to meet the air force's operational requirement.

India has sufficient number of aircraft in the heavy category in Sukhoi-30s, whereas gaps in the medium and lightweight categories needed to be filled, he told the media. The IAF chief said that 36 Rafale jets being bought by India from France were not enough.

"To fill the gap, one more line of production is needed in India," he said, adding that a decision on the matter is likely soon, and the file is at present lying with the Defence Ministry. He also pointed out that the IAF's sanctioned squadron strength is 42, and said, "This is just a numeral; there has to be a capability mix of heavy, medium and light aircraft."

With inputs from IANS

Also Read: 36 Rafales Is Just The Beginning Of A Buying Spree. The Air Force Needs More Than 300.