India, Oct. 4 -- Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said on Saturday, October 3, that fighter jet shortages are "hurting" the force. He said the IAF's fleet numbers are steadily declining. He called for the induction of 36-40 jets annually over the next few years to plug the gap.

Singh was speaking ahead of the 94th Air Force Day. He said the IAF needs to add two fighter squadrons every year. This would help arrest the decline from the current 30 squadrons. The target is 42 squadrons, a strength needed to tackle a collusive two-front threat from Pakistan and China. "Going ahead, we need anything between 36-40 jets annually," he said. He added that delays in receiving new aircraft were a growing concern. "It was hur...