The Ministry of Defence is evaluating a proposal to raise the Indian Air Force’s sanctioned fighter squadrons from 42 to 50 or higher, spurred by lessons from Operation Sindoor in May 2025—India’s precision strikes on nine Pakistani terror camps following the April 22 Pahalgam attack—and escalating two-front threats from a modernized PLAAF (over 2,000 aircraft) and PAF (integrating J-10C jets). Key dates include the conflict’s May 7 launch, with IAF downing Pakistani F-16s, JF-17s, and an AWACS, exposing gaps in sustained operations amid current strength below 30 squadrons. Actors like Air Chief Marshal AP Singh highlight needs for regeneration and logistics; the shift prioritizes Tejas Mk2 prototypes (late 2020s rollout) and AMCA stealth fighters, boosting Atmanirbhar Bharat via 160+ indigenous jets for economies of scale. Geopolitically, this counters collusive “two-and-a-half front” risks, ensuring air dominance without import reliance.