An Indian defence committee has proposed integrating the private sector in military aircraft production to improve the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The suggestion is made at a critical moment when the IAF is dealing with declining squadron numbers and delayed aircraft deliveries, both of which have top officers worried.

If enacted, the measure would significantly enhance India’s private defence industry while reducing the pressure on state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), which now makes the majority of the country’s military aircraft. The committee, led by the defence ministry’s top bureaucrat, presented its findings to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday. Singh has asked officials to ensure that the suggestions be implemented on time.

The IAF, which operates primarily with Soviet-era aircraft, presently has only 31 fighter squadrons, far short of its aim of 42. With tensions rising along India’s borders with China and Pakistan, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has stressed the urgent necessity for greater production. Speaking at an event in New Delhi last week, he indicated that India must develop 35-40 fighter jets each year to meet operational requirements and phase out ageing aircraft.