The Indian Air Force (IAF) is making headlines in 2025 with significant advancements in its fighter jet capabilities. Amid recent tensions with Pakistan and a regional arms race, India is fast-tracking indigenous projects like the Tejas Mk1A and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The approval of a new framework for fifth-generation jets and deliveries of upgraded aircraft signal a strategic push for self-reliance and air dominance, capturing global attention.
Tejas Mk1A Deliveries Begin
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced the delivery of 12 Tejas Mk1A jets to the IAF in 2025, powered by GE engines from the US. These upgraded variants of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) feature advanced radar and weaponry, enhancing IAF’s combat strength. HAL’s order book, valued at Rs 1.89 lakh crore, includes 97 more Mk1A jets, ensuring a robust pipeline.[](https://www.india.com/business/bad-news-for-china-pakistan-as-indian-air-force-to-get-12-powerful-fighter-jets-from-hindustan-aeronautics-ltd-capable-of-7825953/)
AMCA: Fifth-Gen Fighter Milestone
On May 27, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the execution model for the AMCA, India’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter. The Rs 15,000-crore project, led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), opens bidding to private firms like Tata and Adani alongside HAL. With stealth features and a 25-tonne twin-engine design, AMCA aims to rival global jets like the US F-35.[](https://www.livemint.com/news/india-approves-execution-model-for-indigenous-5th-generation-fighter-jet-project-all-you-need-to-know-11748356341743.html)[](https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rajnath-singh-new-fighter-jet-programme-amca-project-tejas-fight-2731149-2025-05-27)
Rafale Jets Bolster Fleet
India’s acquisition of 26 additional Rafale jets from France’s Dassault Aviation, supplementing the existing 36, strengthens its air arsenal. These jets proved critical during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, though Pakistan claimed to have downed three Rafales using Chinese J-10C jets—a claim India disputes. The IAF’s current squadron strength of 31, down from 42, underscores the urgency of these acquisitions.[](https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250527-india-approves-development-of-prototype-advanced-fighter-jet)[](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1w3dln352vo)
Operation Sindoor and Regional Tensions
The May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, dubbed Operation Sindoor, saw the IAF deploy Rafale and Tejas jets, with dummy pilotless aircraft used to outsmart Pakistani defenses. India confirmed losses of an unspecified number of jets but refuted Pakistan’s claim of downing six. Disinformation, including fake videos, fueled tensions, prompting calls for media accountability.[](https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/india-confirms-lost-fighter-jets-pakistan-conflict-19613497.htm)[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-india-used-dummy-pilotless-aircraft-during-counter-strikes-on-pakistani-airbases/articleshow/121236743.cms)
Global Collaborations for Jet Engines
India is pursuing co-development of jet engines with the UK, France, and Japan to reduce reliance on imports. The Kaveri engine, once shelved for Tejas, is being revived for AMCA and drones, with trials set for 2025–26. These partnerships aim to bolster India’s aerospace ecosystem amid China’s growing air dominance.[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/strategic-shift-beyond-us-india-seeks-new-allies-for-next-gen-fighter-jets/articleshow/121520722.cms)[](https://www.businesstoday.in/visualstories/news/kaveris-big-comeback-the-jet-engine-tejas-rejected-but-india-still-needs-237071-27-05-2025)
Future of India’s Air Power
With Tejas Mk2 deliveries slated for 2032 and AMCA prototypes expected by 2030, India is poised to join the elite club of nations with fifth-generation fighters. As regional rivalries intensify, the IAF’s focus on indigenous technology and strategic acquisitions will shape its dominance, ensuring readiness for future challenges.
No responses yet