The Indian Air Force can preserve readiness during fighter-delivery delays by keeping its existing aircraft serviceable, improving their equipment, maintaining pilot and technician training, and strengthening the networks and defences that support air operations. These measures can make available forces more capable, but they cannot replace missing combat aircraft or erase a squadron shortfall.
Keep the aircraft already in service available
Maintenance, engine overhauls, spare-parts support and approved upgrades are the most direct ways to sustain the existing fleet. The Ministry of Defence’s 2023 year-end review recorded Su-30MKI upgrade and engine-overhaul activity, procurement of radar-warning equipment, and moves toward paperless maintenance management. Better maintenance information and reliable parts can support availability, but the review gives no fleet-wide serviceability rate and does not establish how much these initiatives have improved mission availability.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Separate recorded activity from a completed fleet upgrade
The Ministry’s 2023 review identified a need to upgrade the Su-30MKI. In October 2025, an Indian Express report reproduced in a DRDO-hosted clipping said a larger upgrade proposal was still being examined by the Ministry. That is not evidence that the full proposal had received final approval or entered fleet-wide implementation.
Improve what each available aircraft can do
Modern avionics, sensors, radar, electronic warfare equipment and weapon integration can increase an aircraft’s effectiveness or survivability without adding another airframe. The Ministry’s Tejas material describes planned Mk1A improvements including updated avionics, an AESA radar, an electronic-warfare suite and beyond-visual-range capability. These are features of the planned variant, not proof that every IAF Tejas has them or that a particular readiness gain has been measured.
#1 Best Overall
- Experience the legendary F-14 Tomcat through a highly detailed model designed for aviation collectors and hobby enthusiasts. The finished model becomes a striking desktop or showcase centerpiece.
- This 3D puzzle is designed for beginner-level assembly enthusiasts, offering an immersive hands-on building experience that helps cultivate patience, concentration, and mechanical problem-solving skills.
- This product is manufactured using high-quality, environmentally friendly plastic and employs an ultra-fine etching process to ensure durability, structural precision, and realistic aircraft details.
- Encourages understanding of aircraft engineering concepts while improving hand-eye coordination and spatial thinking through engaging mechanical assembly.
- Ideal gift for childs, engineers, collectors, model builders, and puzzle lovers for birthdays, Children’s Day, Christmas, or special hobby occasions.
For the Su-30MKI, the distinction between an identified upgrade need and the larger proposal reported as under examination matters: capability improvements depend on decisions, implementation and aircraft availability, not just a proposal’s existence.
Protect pilot and maintainer proficiency
Training capacity is a separate readiness line from the number of combat squadrons. The Ministry of Defence’s 2023 review recorded a contract with HAL for 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft, with supply over six years. It also described the Tejas twin-seater as intended to support IAF training and, if needed, augment the fighter role. The Ministry’s service account identifies No. 45 Squadron as the first IAF Tejas unit and says No. 18 Squadron began operating Tejas in May 2020; these are historical programme facts, not a current availability count.
Continuity in basic and conversion training helps preserve the people needed to operate and maintain aircraft, including as new types enter service. The available sources do not quantify training throughput, the time required to convert crews, or how many pilots and maintainers the training arrangements can produce. Trainer aircraft are not a substitute for fighters assigned to operational combat tasks.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #2
- IFF antenna array in front of the cockpit distinguishes this CCIP-equipped model from other F-16s.
- Curved form of the F-16 accurately reproduced with trademark Tamiya precision.
- Moveable horizontal stabilizers. "Flaperons" can be modelled in the up or down positions.
- Full ordnance load including AGM-88 HARM, AIM-120C AMRAAM, AIM-9M/X Sidewinder, ECM pod, and fuel tanks included.
- Centerline and inner wing pylons as well as tail assembly feature polycaps to allow easy detachment for storage.
Strengthen the networks and defences around the fleet
Radar coverage, command-and-control, electronic warfare, airbase protection and layered air defence can help aircraft operate with better information and protect the infrastructure they depend on. The Ministry’s 2023 review records IAF radar, radar-warning, electronic-warfare and maintenance initiatives. These capabilities support readiness across the force; they do not add fighter airframes.
A December 2025 Tribune report reproduced in a DRDO-hosted clipping described work to strengthen the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and accelerate Akash-NG and airbase-protection measures. Treat this as reported activity, not independent confirmation that the systems were deployed or operational across the IAF.
Use phased retirements and life extensions safely
Retirement timing and any extension of an aircraft’s service life are engineering and airworthiness decisions, not administrative shortcuts. The documented upgrade and overhaul activity supports maintaining aircraft that remain approved for service; it does not establish that retired aircraft should return to service or that a particular extension is safe. Any extension must depend on the relevant technical assessment and certification.
Rank #3
- 【Newly designed assembly model】The SU 57 fighter jet assembly model kit is based on the real SU 57 fighter jet, and the appearance carefully restores the classic features of the SU 57 fighter jet, such as the unique aircraft shape, exquisite spraying details and airplane model wheels, etc. The fighter jet model perfectly demonstrates the modern technology of the military aircraft. And the texture is very good, making the model look more refined.
- 【Easy-to-use assembly experience】The parts of the SU 57 fighter jet model kit are carefully designed and made with good compatibility and fit, and can be assembled without special tools. It comes with an assembly step-by-step diagram, so even beginners can easily get started. At the same time, the assembled SU 57 fighter jet model is also movable, the cabin can be opened, and the fighter wheels can also move, bringing you a more vivid display effect.
- 【Product size and painting】The SU 57 fighter model kit is restored according to the prototype ratio of 1:72, with specific dimensions of 28.5*20.5*5 and a weight of 0.126 pounds. The SU 57 fighter jet model is made of high-quality plastic material, which is not only sturdy and durable, but also not easy to oxidize and fade. The material is exquisite and lightweight, it has no sharp edges, and can effectively prevent the model from being damaged during assembly and play, which is safer.
- 【Unique decoration and gift】The SU 57 fighter model is not only a beautiful handicraft, but also can be used as a decoration and collection. It is very suitable for military enthusiasts and model collectors to collect or give as gifts. For teenagers and children, the assembly process of this 1/72 SU 57 airplane model can exercise hands-on ability. Whether you collect it yourself or share it with like-minded people, this SU 57 military aircraft model can bring you endless fun and satisfaction.
- 【Worry-free Purchase】The product contains tiny parts, be careful not to let children swallow them by mistake. The fighter model kit uses a hard carton as the outer packaging to better protect the helicopter from damage during transportation. We insist on strict production requirements to control the quality of this SU 57 military fighter jet model to ensure that every customer is satisfied with the high-quality product. If you encounter any problems, please feel free to contact us!
Understand what the squadron figures do—and do not—show
A December 2024 PTI report summarizing a parliamentary defence committee said the decline in squadron strength, associated with older MiG retirements, required a multi-pronged response. An October 2025 Indian Express report reproduced in a DRDO-hosted clipping put the IAF at 29 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42 after MiG-21 retirement in September 2025. That is a dated secondary-source figure, not a verified count for October 2026. Squadron strength also does not by itself measure serviceability, sortie generation, crew proficiency or operational availability; the cited material supplies no such readiness rates.
Treat incoming aircraft as part of the bridge, not as present capacity
New aircraft programmes are necessary to replace retiring capacity, but a reported order, pitch or development effort is not the same as an aircraft delivered, inducted and ready for tasking. A December 2025 Tribune account reproduced in a DRDO-hosted clipping reported an order for 97 additional Tejas Mk1A aircraft, an IAF pitch for 114 Rafale aircraft, and work on Tejas Mk2, AMCA, IACCS and air-defence programmes. Those are reports as of that date; they do not establish current approvals, delivery schedules or arrivals.
The practical approach is therefore parallel: sustain and equip the aircraft the IAF can fly, preserve the trained people who operate and maintain them, support them with command networks and defences, and bring replacement programmes through delivery and induction. The evidence available here does not quantify a readiness gain for any one measure, so none should be mistaken for a numerical solution to the fighter shortfall.
Quick Recap
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.
