India must pair more fighters with long-range missiles and layered defenses
Shishir Gupta argues that India’s air-power strategy should focus on integrating more fighters with stand-off weapons, drones and robust air-defence systems rather than merely increasing aircraft numbers.
During a conversation with senior anchor Aayesha Varma, Executive Editor Shishir Gupta said India cannot rely solely on expanding its fighter fleet to meet future security challenges. While acknowledging the Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh’s call for 38-40 new jets annually, Gupta pointed out that one outlet force is below the benchmark of about 42.5 squadrons and that the benchmark was set by the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, not the Cabinet Committee on Security.
He argued that the true value lies in pairing aircraft with stand-off missiles such as lighter BrahMos, Rudram anti-radiation, and longer-range Astra missiles, enabling strikes from outside hostile air-defence zones. Gupta also emphasized the importance of protecting air bases, developing a multi-tiered interception shield that includes systems like Akash and S-400, and integrating unmanned combat platforms. He cautioned against viewing the threat only through a Pakistan lens, urging a broader assessment that includes China’s capabilities. Ultimately, he called for a balanced force mix of advanced fighters, long-range weapons, drones and affordable air-defence to sustain credible deterrence.
Why it matters
A balanced mix of aircraft, missiles and defenses is crucial for India to deter increasingly sophisticated regional threats.
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