The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to transform its aviation strategy with the induction of 20 squadrons of unmanned stealth jets by 2040, totaling 300-400 aircraft, alongside its goal of 42 squadrons of manned fighters. This fleet will include Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs), tactical stealth fighter bombers, and unmanned stealth fighters, aimed at enhancing capabilities against regional threats. The focus on Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) underscores the IAF’s commitment to modern warfare, although successful timelines depend on prototype deliveries and production scaling by DRDO and HAL. Strategic collaborations may expedite advancements, yet they present risks of dependency on foreign technologies.