IAF To Have 42 Fighter Squadrons By 2032; Plan B In Place For Two-Front War: Air Force Chief

Speaking ahead of the Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa has said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will have the sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons by the year 2032.

By some accounts, the IAF is currently down to 33 squadrons, which experts suggest may not be enough to tackle a two-front conflict effectively. However, the Air Chief said that the IAF has put in place its ‘Plan B’ to address such situations.

“We need a strength of 42 squadrons to carry out full spectrum operations, but it doesn’t mean we can’t fight a two-front scenario. There is a Plan B,” he was quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying. The IAF is capable of countering China and ready to take on the challenge of a two-front war, he added.

When asked how the IAF views the issue of tactical nuclear weapon of Pakistan, the Air Chief said the force has the capability to “locate, fix and strike across the border”.

“Our losses during peace time are a cause for concern. We are making concerted efforts to minimise accidents and preserve our assets,” he added.

Talking about the Doklam standoff, the Air Chief said Chinese forces are still present in Tibet's Chumbi Valley and have not withdrawn completely. "We expect them to withdraw," he added.

Answering questions on modernisation, the Air Chief said that the IAF will phase out one squadron of Jaguar fighter jets and four squadrons of MiG-29s by 2027.