Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh says delays in receiving new fighter aircraft are hurting the service as it tries to halt a decline in squadron strength. Hindustan Times reported on 3 October 2026 that the IAF has 30 fighter squadrons against a stated target of 42, and that Singh says it needs 36–40 aircraft inducted each year to stop falling further behind. The most immediate delay is in the LCA Mk-1A programme; other aircraft cited as future additions include a proposed Rafale acquisition and 12 additional Su-30s.
Why does the Air Chief say the delays matter?
“There is some extra delay this time, and there is no doubt that it is going to hurt us,” Singh said, according to Hindustan Times. He described the IAF’s requirement as two fighter squadrons’ worth of aircraft a year: 36–40 aircraft, in his estimate, to stop the reported count of 30 squadrons from declining and begin moving toward the target of 42. He added that the service needs even more than that.
These figures are Singh’s stated requirement and the squadron count and target reported by Hindustan Times, not an independently verified IAF strength statement. The article’s central concern is that planned aircraft additions must arrive at a pace that matches this need; an order or proposed deal does not itself increase operational strength until aircraft are delivered and inducted.
What is delayed in the LCA Mk-1A programme?
The first LCA Mk-1A under the initial order was due in March 2024, a deadline that Hindustan Times says was missed. The report cites late delivery of GE Aerospace F404-IN20 engines and delays in key certifications as contributing factors. It reported that induction was expected to begin by the end of 2026; that is a forecast in the article, not confirmation that deliveries or induction have since occurred.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The outlet reported two orders totalling 180 Mk-1A aircraft: 83 ordered in February 2021 and 97 in September 2025, with a combined reported value of ₹1.1 lakh crore. These quantities and the value are attributed to Hindustan Times; the available reporting does not independently verify the underlying contract records.
How do the aircraft programmes compare?
| Programme | Status and quantity reported | Timing or rate cited | Production or supply model |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCA Mk-1A | Two reported orders totalling 180 aircraft: 83 in February 2021 and 97 in September 2025. | First aircraft under the initial order was due in March 2024; Hindustan Times reported expected induction by the end of 2026. Singh cited HAL production of 20 aircraft a year. | Made in India; the report identifies late GE Aerospace F404-IN20 engine supply and certification delays. |
| MRFA / Rafale | Proposed acquisition, not a completed order in the account. The report described 20 Rafales to be supplied by France in fly-away condition, with the remainder made in India by Dassault Aviation with a local partner. | Singh reportedly estimated about 12 aircraft a year if the arrangement went through. | Proposed mix of fly-away aircraft and domestic manufacture; arrangement and rate remain prospective. |
| Su-30 | Hindustan Times reported a contract for 12 additional aircraft. | Singh’s illustrative expectation was six aircraft in each of two years. | The report does not state a comparable manufacturing or delivery model. |
The figures in the table are those reported by Hindustan Times on 3 October 2026. They are not a like-for-like record of deliveries: the Mk-1A schedule includes a missed deadline and a forecast, the MRFA figures describe a proposed deal, and the Su-30 schedule is an expectation. They should not be read as confirmed annual deliveries or as proof that all three programmes will contribute on schedule.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What would it take to close the gap?
Singh’s stated annual requirement of 36–40 inducted aircraft is higher than the reported 20-per-year Mk-1A production rate alone. In his account, a proposed MRFA deal could add about 12 a year, while the additional Su-30 contract could contribute six in each of two years. Those figures illustrate why the IAF is looking to several programmes, but they do not establish that the combined number will be available in any given year: the Rafale arrangement is prospective, the Su-30 timing is illustrative, and the Mk-1A induction date was still a reported expectation.
The practical measure is aircraft actually delivered and inducted, rather than planned production capacity or contract totals. The reporting available here does not establish a verified delivery history across these programmes or show that the stated target of 42 squadrons is on a confirmed timetable.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What is established—and what remains uncertain?
- Reported concern: Singh says delays in fighter induction are hurting the IAF and states a need for 36–40 aircraft a year.
- Immediate schedule problem: the Mk-1A’s first-aircraft deadline of March 2024 was missed, with engine supply and certification delays cited in the report.
- Future contributions are not all firm outcomes: the Rafale figures describe a proposed arrangement; the Su-30 timing is an expectation; and the Mk-1A year-end 2026 induction date is a forecast.
- Independent confirmation is limited: the current figures and programme details here are attributed to Hindustan Times. A DRDO-hosted compilation of newspaper clippings dated 18 February 2025 preserves earlier reporting on Mk-1A readiness and the passed March 2024 deadline, but is historical newspaper material rather than a primary programme record.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
