Goa, Oct. 27 -- ROBIN ROY

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Sin gh recently said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) needs to induct around 36 to 40 fighter aircraft every year if it is to arrest the de cline in squadron strength and begin moving towards its sanctioned strength of 42.5 squadrons. The figure 42.5 refers specifically to fighter squadrons, not individual aircraft, and actual squad ron strength varies accord ing to aircraft type and operational requirements. With the IAF currently op erating around 29 fighter squadrons, the shortfall is best understood as a gap of roughly 13.5 squadrons rather than converted into a precise number of air craft. Singh has stated that the force needs roughly two squadrons' worth of new figh...