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A look at the IAF in 2024 and possible future aircraft options ( Source- Forces India, Author- Atul Chandra)

SU- 30 MKI ( Image credits- Wikimedia Commons/ Author- Pritishp333 Sources- Forces India Author- Atul Chandra The Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2024 will have finally arrested the continued decline in its combat aircraft strength and attain a combat fighter aircraft fleet of 42 squadrons. For the first time, its fighter fleet will consist almost exclusively of twin engine fighters in the Rafale, Sukhoi-HAL Prospective Multirole Fighter (PMF), SU-30 MKI (upgraded), MiG-29 UPG and Jaguar strike fighter with the exception of upgraded Mirage 2000s, Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and few numbers of the MiG-21 ‘Bison’. It would have to cater for retirement from service of its entire MiG-27 fleet (an estimated 80 aircraft) and MiG-21 fleet (approximately 150 aircraft), starting a few years from now.  The IAF currently operates nine squadrons of the venerable MiG-21, including six squadrons of upgraded MiG-21 Bisons. By 2024, however, the indigenous Tejas Mk II production l