The Indian Air Force (IAF) is undertaking a comprehensive review of its combat strength following the success of Operation Sindoor, seeking to expand its fighter squadron capacity beyond the current mandate of 42 squadrons due to evolving regional threats, particularly from China and Pakistan. With the IAF projected to drop to 29 operational squadrons by October 2025, the push for a 30-35% increase in strength aims to bridge significant capability gaps, especially against adversaries like the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), which are rapidly modernizing. Proposed enhancements include expanding the Tejas program, acquiring additional Rafale jets, and progressing with the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) while upgrading existing platforms like the Su-30 MKI. The urgency for this expansion is underscored by the increasing operational tempo and advanced technology of both adversaries, necessitating a pivot in the IAF’s strategic posture from a focus primarily on Pakistan to a comprehensive readiness for a potential two-front conflict. The broader significance of these developments lies in India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defense capabilities by 2047, as the nation navigates complex geopolitical dynamics in a rapidly changing security environment. As India strives to enhance its air power, the coming decade will be critical for bolstering the IAF’s combat readiness and ensuring deterrence against its neighbors’ increasingly sophisticated military capabilities.