Future of the Indian Air Force

Space equipment procurement, assets and development

The IAF is increasing procuring and developing space related equipment and assets.

• In 2023, the IAF is looking to procure the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), a space plane being developed by ISRO.^[6]
• In March 2024, the Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan announced that the Indian Armed Forces had allocated Rs 25,000 crore for defence space requirements, including building a constellation of surveillance satellites in order to secure communications networks.^[8]
• In July 2024, the space startup Pixxel announced that it plans to supply miniaturised multi-payload satellites, for monitoring goals, to the IAF by 2025.^[9]

Training gaps

During the Parliament Winter Session in 2024, the Comptroller and Auditor General published a report to highlight the increased deficiencies in pilot training in the IAF. As per the report, the IAF had a deficit of 486 combat pilots in February 2015 and had plans to induct 222 pilots per year until 2021. However, initial annual intake ranged between 158 and 204 trainees and that after wastage ranged between 124 to 167, increasing the deficit to 596 by 2021. The pilot to seat ratio is 1.25:1 which, though enough for peacetime service, is too low for intense ops. Also, it was reported that the aircraft use for training pilots for all three streams (combat, helicopter and transport) was done on older aircraft. In case of fixed wing training, the planned procurement of 296 trainer aircraft by 2016 including 106 Basic Trainer Aircraft and 73 Intermediate Trainer Jets have stalled. The procurement, if successful, would have given enough training resources to the IAF until 2036. In case of rotary stream, pilots are being trained on HAL Chetak which was inducted half a decade ago.^[24][25]

Super Sukhoi

Fighter aircraft

Transports

Force multipliers

AEW&CS

Main article: DRDO AEW&CS

The IAF plans to operate 18 airborne early warning and control systems, out of which 15 will be the DRDO AEW&CS and 3 will be the EL/W-2090.^[54]

• Netra Mk 1A – Six additional Netra Mk 1A based on the same platform as that of Mark 1 variant are being planned to be acquired by the IAF as part of a $1 billion plan to add force multipliers in the air force.^[52]

• Netra Mk 2 – The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), on 19 July 2025, cleared the ₹20,000 crore (US$2.1 billion) project for six AEW&CS platforms. Airbus A321 platforms were purchased from Air India with modification work in advanced stages.^[111]

Helicopters

• HAL Prachand – The IAF will deploy indigenously developed HAL Prachand for its combat operations, complementing the Boeing AH-64D Apache of the Indian Army and Air Force, after the operational certificate is granted.^[152] The Indian Air Force has placed an order for 66 Prachand helicopters.^[55]

• HAL Light Utility Helicopter – In March 2021, the Ministry of Defence placed an initial order of six light utility helicopters for the Indian Airforce. The deliveries are expected to commence from August 2022.^[153]
• Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopters (RSH) – In order to replace Chetak and Cheetah helicopters in the Indian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of 200 light helicopters under the RSH programme in August 2025. Under the programme, 120 units and 80 units are to be procured for the Indian Army and Air Force, respectively. Specifying the technical requirements, the RFI mentioned that the suppliers are expected to be Indian vendors partnering with original equipment manufacturers (OEM). The helicopters are expected to be capable of operating in day and night and undertake reconnaissance, surveillance and search and rescue operations.^[154] The requirement include at least one hardpoint per side which will be compatible with surveillance equipment, podded guns, articulated guns, air-to-air missiles or anti-tank missiles.^[155] The first Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) tender was launched in 2008 for 197 helicopters (133 for IA and 64 for IAF)^[155] The tender was cancelled in 2014.^[156][157] Later, India moved ahead with the proposal of Russian Helicopters to produce Ka-226T in India. The proposal included 60 helicopters to be directly purchased and 140 be produced in India by Indo-Russian Helicopters Pvt Ltd, a joint venture of HAL, Russian Helicopters and Rosoboronexport. However, the deal was not signed due to the stringent ToT demands and Safran Helicopter Engines denying to supply its Arrius 2G1 engine to Russia.^[155]
  • Bell Textron, along with its Indian partner Max AeroSpace and Aviation, is expected to offer Bell 407 helicopter in the competition.^[158]
  • Airbus will also offer the Made-in-India H125 along with Tata Advanced Systems. It was one of the shortlisted designs in the 2008 LUH tender.^[155]
  • Leonardo and Adani Defence & Aerospace have offered the AW109 TrekkerM design under a strategic partnership to establish India's helicopter manufacturing ecosystem.^[159][160]

Unmanned aerial vehicles

• Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) – The Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR) 2025 outlines the requirement of stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) with a service life of over 20 years. The Army and Air Force are expected operate between 90–100 and 40–50 stealth UCAVs, respectively.^[161]
  • The UCAV is expected to achieve supersonic speeds with supercruise and low observability capabilities. The internal weapons payload is expected within a range of 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) and should be compatible with both air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. The UCAVs should exhibit Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUMT) including loyal wingman role. The system should feature an AI-driven programmable flight profile with advanced avionics, LPI radar, EO/IR/SWIR targeting, secure low-latency SATCOM/B-LOS and LOS links, conformal defensive stores, and autonomous aerial refueling. It must also achieve a service ceiling of at least 15 km while supporting offensive and defensive manoeuvres.
  • The IAF is expected to procure four squadrons with 20 aircraft each. The in-development DRDO Ghatak is anticipated to fulfil the requirement.^{[68][69][110]}

• MQ-9B SkyGuardian – On 28 July 2024, 8 MQ-9Bs were ordered for the Indian Air Force.^[162]
• Pseudo-satellite – Indian Air Force plans to induct 3 such platforms, also called High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS), and its acssociated support equipment. A Request for Information (RFI) was released by the IAF with a response deadline of 20 June. As specified in the document, the platform must have an endurance of 48 hours, operational altitude of 20 km (66,000 ft). The RFI also mentioned that the HAPS would have a minimum data links and telemetry range of 150 km (93 mi) during line of sight mode, a SATCOM range of 400 km (250 mi) and a detection range of 50 km (31 mi) from operational altitude. The HAPS has integrable with electro-optical and infrared cameras as well as electronic and communication intelligence payloads. The HAPS, capable of all-weather, day-and-night operations, is to be delivered within 18 months of signing the contract.^[163][164]
• Medium-altitude long-endurance UAV – The Indian Armed Forces aims to procure 87 MALE UAVs at a cost of ₹20,000 crore (US$2.1 billion).^[165] On 5 August 2025, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the project which is being led by the IAF.^[166] The UAVs will be developed by Indian firms in collaboration with foreign partners, with an expected indigenous content of over 60%. Additionally, the long-range drones are expected to be integrated and armed with air-to-ground missiles and laser-guided bombs for precision strike missions. The drones should also be capable of executing electronic warfare and ISR missions, i.e., Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. Additionally, a maintenance contract worth ₹11,000 crore (US$1.1 billion) for the drones will also be signed with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the logistical other operational support.^[167][168] The order will be split for two firms, which would be lowest bidders, at a 64:36 ratio in favour for the lower bidder. The orders will be executed at two separate production facilities, one operated by each firm. Now, the DAC clearance will be followed by the armed forces releasing an expression of interest (EoI) for Indian firms to bid for the contract followed by trials and final commercial negotiations.^[169] As of November 2025, the trials are expected to be conducted within the next six months.^[170][171] Also, around 24 Indian firms^[166] have responded to the tender with foreign firms, including Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries,^[166] General Atomics and Bell Textron, having collaborated with their Indian counterparts.^[172]
  • On 22 August, Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) unveiled its combat-capable MALE UAV, named after Kaala Bhairav. The drone has been designated as Economic and Efficient Autonomous Aircraft (E2A2). With an indigenous content of 80%, it features a twin-boom configuration that enhances STOLoperations and carries a payload of 91 kg (201 lb). The aircraft has an endurance of 30 hours, a range of 3,000 km (1,900 mi), and a cruising speed of 42–52 m/s (150–190 km/h).The platform employs artificial intelligence for adaptive target acquisition, autonomous flight path planning as well as real-time combat decision-making. During the unveiling event, the company screened the aircraft's test flight and also announce that they have secured an export order worth US$25 million from a South Asian nation as part of a US$30 million strategic deal. The executives of the company also compared the performance of 10 Kaala Bhairavs to one Predator drone, claiming that one Kaala Bhairav costs one-tenth of the latter.^{[173][174][175]}
  • On 31 October 2025, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) formed a strategic partnership with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) to participate in the MALE RPAS programme for the Indian Armed Forces. L&T would be the prime bidder in the tender with GA-ASI as the technology partner. One of the MQ-series aircraft will be offered to the Armed Forces.^[176][177] The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has been reportedly ordered.^[166]
  • Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has tied up with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and ELCOM to offer the IAI Heron's Mk II variant.^[166]
  • Elbit Systems has tied Adani Defence & Aerospace and has reportedly offered the Hermes 900.^[166]
• Vayu Baan – It is an air-launched effects (ALE) project where an unmanned aircraft system will be released from a helicopter and carries a surveillance equipment or precision-guided munition (kamikaze drone) as the payload. Once released, the small UAS will deploy its wings, activate its propulsion and relay real-time video to the operator. If required, the done can also strike a target with its warhead. They will be equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors for target identification, with the ability to operate in GPS-jammed environments. They will have a designed range of around 50 km (31 mi) and endurance of 30 minutes.^[178]
  • As of March 2026, IAF's Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD) released a request for proposal to invite domestic vendors to partner in the development project.^[178]

Trainers

• HAL HTT-40 – The IAF was planning to acquire 181 basic trainer aircraft, and the IAF selected Switzerland's Pilatus Aircraft to supply 75 PC-7 Mk.II trainer planes for $1 billion.^[179] The Indian Ministry of Defence wanted to buy an additional 106 basic trainer aircraft from Pilatus in a separate deal.^[180] However, on 28 February 2015, it was reported that Ministry of Defence has selected 70 HAL HTT-40 trainers and 38 Pilatus trainers to replace its current trainer aircraft fleet stating that this move was "commercially viable" under the "Make in India" programme.^[181] In 2017, HAL CMD reported that HAL will soon sign a contract for 106 HTT-40 aircraft and deliver it to the air force.^[182]

In May 2020, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal R. K. S. Bhadauria announced there is a plan to shelve the order for the additional Pilatus PC-7 and instead opt for the indigenous HAL HTT-40.^[183]

Missiles

Cruise missiles

DRDO has developed the air-launched version of the BrahMos cruise missile in a joint venture with Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. The IAF has signed a contract with Russia to upgrade 40 Su-30MKIs to give them the capability of carrying the BrahMos cruise missile by 2012.^[184]

DRDO has also developed the nuclear-capable Nirbhay cruise missile, which is capable of hitting targets at 1,000 to 1,500 km (620 to 930 mi; 540 to 810 nmi) at 2 m (6 ft 7 in) accuracy.^[185]

Fighters

Omni-role Combat Aircraft (ORCA)

Main article: HAL TEDBF

The Omni Role Combat Aircraft is a concept to design and develop a twin-engine omni role fighter, similar to the Rafale category. The design of the Omni Role Combat Aircraft (ORCA), an Indian Air Force variant of the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), with significant design differences, was being studied as of 2020. The first flight is expected in 2032 with induction into the forces by 2038.^[194][195]

Tejas Mk 2 (Medium Weight Fighter)

Main article: HAL Tejas Mk2

The HAL Tejas Mark 2 (also known as Medium Weight Fighter or HAL MWF) is a planned single-engine, delta wing, multirole fighter designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is a further development of the HAL Tejas, or the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), programme which began in the 1980s to replace India's ageing MiG-21 fighters. The Tejas Mk 2 is being designed to replace multiple strike-fighters like SEPECAT Jaguars, Dassault Mirage-2000 & MiG-29 of Indian Air Force.

It has a tail-less compound delta-wing configuration with a single vertical stabilizer with closed-coupled canards to provide static instability and high manoeuvrability, and is equipped with fly-by-wire systems to control instability.

There is confirmation from the chief of the Aeronautical Development Agency that MWF will shed its "Tejas" stamp and get a completely new name altogether during or after its first flight. Metal cutting for the prototypes began in January 2021.^[196] The first prototype was expected to be rolled out at the end of 2025, however it is now delayed and the first flight is expected to take in Q2 2026.^[197] A total of four prototypes are initially planned.^[198]

Uncrewed wingman

The HAL Combat Air Teaming System is a planned uncrewed and crewed combat aircraft air teaming system being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.^[199] The system will consist of a crewed fighter aircraft acting as "mothership" of the system and a set of swarming UAVs and UCAVs governed by the main aircraft. A twin-seated HAL Tejas is likely to be the main fighter aircraft.^[200][201]

HAL CATS Warrior part of HAL Combat Air Teaming System is an armed stealth drone which will team up and fight alongside IAF fighters to hit high-value enemy targets. It is designed to carry out MUM-T Operations. It will be the first line of offense in operations against heavily defended, integrated air defence networks. An Indian defence startup is also a part of the mission team.^[201]

Each drone will initially be armed with a single precision-guided weapon, such as an air-to-surface missile or a laser-guided bomb. Future versions of the platform will also be able to fire air-to-air missiles to target enemy fighters. The Uncrewed Wingman will be connected to a heavily upgraded IAF SEPECAT Jaguar attack aircraft (called the Jaguar Max); pilots onboard will assign specific tasks to each of the uncrewed drones which fly alongside the fighter. The drone will also operate with other platforms. The first flight is expected by 2022 & induction by 2029.^[202]

HAL is designing & developing AI-powered, stealthy autonomous swarm drones known as ALFA-S in collaboration with a private firm in Bangalore. Research and development work will be completed in two years and the first flight is expected by 2022.

The ALFA-S swarming drones will have two folding wings. They will be fitted inside canisters mounted under the wings of IAF aircraft.

Each swarm could have dozens of individual drones. If detected, some of the drones would be shot down, but the sheer numbers of the swarm would overwhelm enemy defences such as surface-to-air missile units to ensure a high probability of mission success. The first drone prototypes are likely to be deployed from Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers being built, under licence, at Hindustan Aeronautics. Ultimately though, the drones are meant to be launched from any Indian Air Force aircraft - fighter jets and transports.

The plan to develop indigenous swarming drones is a part of the Combat Air Teaming System project or CATS, which has three distinct elements. In addition to the ALFA-S swarm drones, a robotic wingman, meant to accompany a crewed fighter jet into combat is being also being developed.

The final element of CATS is the development of an ultra-high altitude drone meant to remain flying for up to three weeks at a stretch while providing real-time images and video.

The government strongly backs the Combat Air Teaming System initiative as part of the Make in India programme, which encourages Indian defence manufacturers to focus on core research and development projects towards the next-generation requirements of India's armed forces. In 2018, the Defence Ministry set up iDEX, or Innovations for Defence Excellence under the Defence Innovation Organisation, a not-for-profit company meant to provide high-level policy guidance for high-tech indigenous ventures working on India's defence and aerospace needs.^[203]

Transports

The IAF had also placed an order for 15 NAL Saras light transport aircraft designed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). The manufacturer has stated that the Indian Air Force intended to place an order for up to 45 aircraft.^[204] National Aeronautics Limited (NAL) has stopped all work on NAL Saras as the funding for the project stopped by end of 2013^[205] due to cost overruns and inability to reduce the weight of the aircraft.^[206] The development of the Saras was restarted by the National Aeronautics Laboratories in February 2017.^[207]

Trainers

HAL HJT-36 Yashas

HAL has developed the HAL HJT-36 Yashas intermediate jet trainer aircraft for the IAF, which carried out its maiden test flight in 2003. These aircraft are scheduled to replace the aging HJT-16 Kiran mk.I. The Indian Air Force has placed an order for 73 aircraft, of which the first 12 are in production.^[209] The order by the Indian Air Force could eventually grow to 250 aircraft. Two prototype aircraft have been built. These aircraft have undergone 280 test flights.

Helicopters

• Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) – The HAL Medium Lift Helicopter (MLH) is a planned large rotorcraft in the 10–15 tonne class. The three branches of the Indian Armed Forces are envisioned to be major customers for helicopter. According to HAL, the MLH is to be in the same class as the Russian Mil Mi 17 and is to serve as its planned replacement in all three forces.^[210]

Uncrewed aerial vehicles

The DRDO is developing a Medium Altitude Long Endurance Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) called the Rustom (English: Warrior) for all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces.^[211] The Rustom will replace / supplement the Heron UAVs in service with the Indian armed forces.

DRDO is also developing the DRDO Ghatak which is an uncrewed combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) for the Indian Air Force. The design work on the UCAV is carried out by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). The AURA UCAV will be a tactical stealth aircraft built largely with composites, and capable of delivering laser-guided strike weapons. It would be a stealthy flying-wing concept aircraft with internal weapons and a turbofan engine.^[212]

Surface-to-air missile systems

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has nearly finished the developmental trial of the New Generation missile of Akash SAM known as Akash-NG. Akash-NG is developed to provide a cheap alternative for the Barak 8. It will have the same range of 70 km (43 mi; 38 nmi) with all-weather and all-terrain capability. The missile will be able to neutralise and destroy fighter aircraft, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles as well as ballistic missiles. It will use Ku band active radar seeker. The missile is expected to come into service in 2022 and will be produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics (BEL).^[213][214]

DRDO is also working on Project Kusha (XRSAM) long-range surface-to-air missile defence system.^[215] It will be used to bridge the gap between MR-SAM (100 km [62 mi; 54 nmi]) and S-400 (400 km [250 mi; 220 nmi]) Air Defence System and will be using spin-off technologies developed for country's Anti-Ballistic missile Defence system. The missile system will have a range of 250 km (160 mi; 130 nmi) against fighter jets, 350 km (220 mi; 190 nmi) against cruise missiles, sea skimming anti-ship missiles, AWACS and mid-air refuelers and will be capable of bringing down ballistic missiles and stealth fighters in the terminal stage.^[216]