Indian Fighter Jets: Power, Performance, and Future Plans

When talking about Indian fighter jets, combat aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force, ranging from domestically built trainers to advanced multirole fighters. Also known as Indian combat aircraft, they form the backbone of India’s air defence. The variety includes home‑grown designs like HAL Tejas, a light, single‑engine, fourth‑generation fighter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and foreign‑built platforms such as the Russian‑origin MiG‑29, a twin‑engine air‑superiority jet that’s been upgraded under the ‘Jaguar’ programme. Together these aircraft encompass a mix of air‑to‑air, air‑to‑ground and reconnaissance roles, require robust maintenance ecosystems, and enable the IAF to secure a vast and varied airspace.

Key Platforms and Their Roles

The current fleet is anchored by heavy‑weight workhorses like the Sukhoi Su‑30MKI, a twin‑engine, multirole fighter with thrust vectoring, used for deep‑strike and air‑dominance missions. Its advanced avionics and long‑range missiles give India a credible deterrent. Complementing the Su‑30MKI, the French‑built Dassault Rafale, a versatile, twin‑engine fighter prized for its agility and modern radar handles both air‑to‑air combat and precision strike. Meanwhile, the legacy fleet of MiG‑29 aircraft has been modernised with new radars and weapons, extending their relevance. Each platform brings distinct attributes: the Tejas offers light weight and lower operating costs, the Su‑30MKI provides heavy payload capacity, and the Rafale adds cutting‑edge stealth features. Together they illustrate how the Indian Air Force balances indigenous development with strategic imports.

The future of Indian fighter jets points toward the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a stealthy, fifth‑generation fighter currently in development by HAL. Expected to field twin engines, low‑observable design, and network‑centred warfare capabilities, the AMCA aims to replace older airframes and keep pace with regional rivals. Parallel projects include upgrading the Tejas Mk‑II with more powerful engines and indigenous avionics, and integrating new weapons like the Astra beyond‑visual‑range missile. The ecosystem also expands to unmanned combat aerial vehicles, modern simulators, and AI‑driven maintenance tools. All these efforts influence the operational readiness of the IAF and shape procurement strategies for the next decade. Below, you’ll find a curated set of stories that dig into performance specs, upgrade programmes, and the strategic impact of each jet – giving you a clear picture of where India’s skies are headed.