New Delhi, 03 October (H.S.): Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on Saturday said the Indian Air Force needs to induct 36 to 40 aircraft every year over the next few years, stressing that air power remains crucial to overall military strength.

Addressing a press conference ahead of Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal Singh said the much-awaited multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) programme could be finalised by the end of the current financial year, provided the negotiations progress as planned.

India has cleared a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter aircraft from France under a government-to-government framework. Price negotiations and other critical issues related to the proposed acquisition are currently underway.

Singh said the IAF may have to consider other fighter platforms if there are delays in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. He said Russia has offered its Su-57 fighter aircraft to India, but no decision has been taken on the proposal.

On modernisation of the IAF, the Air Chief said the force needs to be augmented through artificial intelligence. We have to have an AI-augmented force, he said.

Singh also stressed the importance of self-reliance for combat readiness and said India needs to take a decision on producing at least one fighter aircraft engine domestically.

The Air Chief also praised Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar for his conduct during the mid-air emergency involving Flight FZ1073. What he has done is exceptionally brave. He showed great physical and mental resolve. It is a lesson for us, Singh said.

On the possibility of creating a separate drone force, Singh said no such decision had been taken. He said drones and loitering munitions were being increasingly inducted and should be integrated with other weapons and operated as part of the same setup rather than as a separate force.

Drones are not revolutionary to the Indian Air Force, but evolutionary, he said.

Asked about the IAF's role in transporting question papers for the NEET-UG re-examination, Singh said the force would provide assistance whenever required. The IAF had undertaken logistics and transportation responsibilities for the NEET-UG re-examination held on June 21.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar