New Delhi: India’s defense sector continues to grapple with delays, corruption, and operational shortcomings, raising serious concerns about its military preparedness.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief has sounded the alarm over critical shortfalls in fighter jets, as China forges ahead with 6th-generation aircraft and Pakistan nears the acquisition of J-35 stealth fighters. He emphasized that “tech delayed is tech denied,” highlighting how delays in indigenous development are putting India at a strategic disadvantage.

A pressing issue remains the IAF’s declining squadron strength, which has plummeted to 31—far below the required 42, weakening India’s operational preparedness. Despite launching the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project in 2024, the first prototype remains years away, leaving India behind regional rivals in 5th-generation fighter development.

Adding to IAF’s woes, the planned restructuring under the proposed Theatre Commands has raised concerns about the further dilution of already stretched airpower resources.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has faced severe setbacks in ramping up Tejas fighter production, failing to deliver 40 jets ordered in 2009. Concerns regarding Tejas’ dependability have been heightened by the latest mishap that occurred during the Bharat Shakti exercise.

Meanwhile, the JF-17, jointly developed by China and Pakistan, has secured buyers in Nigeria, Myanmar, and Azerbaijan, while Tejas struggles to gain international interest.

India’s defense procurement remains mired in controversies—from the Rafale deal to the AgustaWestland scam, exposing corruption and inefficiency. With indigenous programs faltering, India may be forced to rely on foreign imports like the Rafale or F-35, undermining its self-reliance ambitions.