India has finalized a deal to purchase 26 Rafale M fighter jets from France for its Navy, at a staggering cost of approximately ₹630 billion (USD 7.4 billion). While the Indian Air Force (IAF) already operates around 36 Rafale jets, the procurement of additional aircraft highlights deeper structural challenges within India’s air combat fleet.
One of the central issues is the IAF’s severe shortage of operational squadrons. Against the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons needed for adequate defense preparedness, the IAF currently operates with only 31—an alarming gap amid rising tensions with neighbors like China and Pakistan.
This shortfall has forced India to retain outdated and notoriously unsafe aircraft, including the Soviet-era MiG-21s. Known as “Flying Coffins,” these jets have remained in service since their induction in 1964, but not without controversy. The MiG-21 has been involved in over 400 crashes, resulting in the deaths of more than 200 pilots and over 60 civilians, earning it an infamous reputation among Indian pilots.
The global spotlight returned to the MiG-21 in 2019 during the Pakistan Air Force’s Operation Swift Retort, when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s MiG-21 was shot down over Pakistani airspace. The incident concluded with his capture—and his now-famous remarks about Pakistan’s “fantastic” tea.
Despite the deadly track record, the aircraft continues to fly due to delays in the production of modern alternatives. The indigenous Tejas MK1A, meant to replace the aging fleet, was scheduled to see its first squadron operational by July 2024. However, supply chain issues—particularly delays in engine delivery—have plagued the project and exposed the limitations of India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, particularly at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The IAF’s frustration came to the forefront earlier this year during an air show when Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari publicly expressed disappointment with HAL. A video of the exchange went viral, in which the Air Chief bluntly told HAL officials, “You need to address our concerns. Right now, I cannot trust you, and that is a very dangerous thing.”
Against this backdrop, India’s aggressive posturing and repeated threats toward Pakistan appear increasingly hollow. With outdated aircraft still patrolling its skies and delays haunting its modernization efforts, India’s defense narrative, for many, continues to be symbolized not by firepower—but by a simple cup of tea.
