The Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, has emphasized the critical need for India to enhance its aerial combat capabilities. He stressed that the IAF must acquire 35 to 40 fighter jets annually to address the shortfall in operational squadrons and maintain
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India’s ambitious Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, aimed at strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF), could cost an additional $2.3 billion if the government opts for domestically produced fighter jets. This potential cost hike is tied to India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.