IAF’s Biggest Leap Yet: Sukhoi Upgrades, AEW&C Jets & LCA Tejas to Dominate Skies

New Delhi, India – The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for an aggressive modernization drive in the upcoming financial year, acquiring a wide range of cutting-edge weapon systems and platforms to strengthen its operational capabilities along the borders with China and Pakistan . According to the Standing Committee report on defence, tabled in Parliament, the IAF’s key acquisitions for 2025-26 will include fighter aircraft, spy planes, low-level radars, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Light Utility Helicopters (LUH), multirole helicopters, and mid-air refuelling aircraft. The ambitious procurement plan underscores India’s focus on maintaining air superiority in an increasingly volatile regional security environment.

Aiming for Air Dominance: Key Acquisitions for 2025-26

As part of its modernization efforts, the IAF has set its sights on multiple advanced systems that will enhance its ability to conduct surveillance, intercept enemy aircraft, and project power across vast distances. Some of the key planned acquisitions include:

1. Low-Level Radars: To improve early warning capabilities and detect low-flying threats such as cruise missiles and drones.
2. Light Combat Aircraft (LCA): Indigenous Tejas jets, which will replace ageing MiG-21s and bolster frontline fighter squadrons.
3. Light Utility Helicopters (LUH): Essential for high-altitude operations, particularly in Ladakh and Siachen.
4. Multirole Helicopters: To improve transport, reconnaissance, and combat support capabilities.
5. Mid-Air Refuelling Aircraft (Leased): To extend the range of IAF’s fighter jets for long-range missions, critical for both offensive and defensive operations.
6. Upgrades for Sukhoi-30 MKI: Indigenous avionics, weapon systems, and electronic warfare capabilities will enhance the combat potential of the IAF’s workhorse fighter fleet.
7. Signal Intelligence and Communication Jamming Aircraft: To improve electronic warfare capabilities and counter enemy radar and communication networks.
8. Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Systems: Crucial for detecting and tracking enemy aircraft and missiles well beyond visual range, significantly enhancing airspace dominance.

These procurements will not only increase the IAF’s firepower but also enhance its network-centric warfare capabilities, enabling faster and more effective decision-making in combat scenarios.

Strengthening Indigenous Defence: ₹1.39 Lakh Crore Investment in Self-Reliance

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted that the IAF has been heavily investing in indigenous platforms and technologies, spending ₹1,39,596.60 crore over the past five years, including the current fiscal year up to December 31, 2024. These acquisitions span across a diverse range of systems:

Approach Radars & High-Power Radars – Strengthening India’s airspace monitoring and missile defence capabilities.

Missile Systems & Close-in Weapon Systems – Enhancing defence against aerial threats, including enemy aircraft, drones, and incoming missiles.

Full Mission Simulators & Trainer Aircraft – Improving pilot training to reduce dependence on live flying hours while ensuring combat readiness.

Avionics Upgrades & Aero Engines – Enhancing the performance and lifespan of existing aircraft.

Counter Drone Systems – A critical requirement in modern warfare, ensuring India is prepared for asymmetric threats from adversaries.

Static Trans Receivers – Strengthening communication networks for real-time coordination of air operations.

The IAF’s reliance on indigenous systems reflects a clear strategic shift towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The focus is on domestic production of fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, trainer aircraft, air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, surface-to-air guided weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and radars.

China’s Challenge Along the LAC and Pakistan’s Weakening Air Defence

With China expanding its airbases in Tibet and deploying J-20 stealth fighters along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India needs robust aerial capabilities to counter any potential aggression. The procurement of new AEW&C aircraft upgraded Sukhoi-30s, and improved radar coverage will ensure that India maintains first-strike capability and early warning advantage against any Chinese misadventure.

Pakistan’s Air Force (PAF) has been struggling with an ageing fleet, relying on Chinese-origin JF-17s and old F-16s. The IAF’s push for modernized fighter aircraft, superior surveillance systems, and advanced jamming capabilities will significantly outclass Pakistan’s air power. Additionally, the leasing of mid-air refuellers will allow India to conduct deep-strike missions if required, ensuring deterrence along the western front.

The IAF’s modernization roadmap for 2025-26 is not just about acquiring new assets but about future-proofing India’s aerial warfare capabilities. With a clear focus on indigenous production, next-generation technologies, and combat readiness, the upcoming year will be a defining moment in India’s journey toward becoming a self-reliant air power capable of dominating the region.

As geopolitical tensions rise, one thing is clear: the IAF is not just preparing for tomorrow—it is preparing to dominate the skies for decades to come.