The Defence Ministry has formed a committee to focus on improving the Indian Air Force's (IAF) capabilities, as the force is facing a serious shortage of fighter jets, weapons and equipment, government officials told India Today.

The committee, which is chaired by the defence secretary, is composed of IAF representatives, top ministry officials and Dr. Samir V. Kamat, chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The group was given extensive IAF briefings before beginning to draft recommendations, which should be submitted in two to three months. 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been facing a shortage of fighter jets. So far, it has received only 36 Rafale jets, which are part of the advanced 4.5-plus generation fleet required to deal with security threats, especially from China and Pakistan. The potential sale of fighter jets by China to Bangladesh further raises concerns about regional security. There is still no resolution to the IAF's long-standing proposal to purchase 110 aircraft of the 4.5+ generation. The committee might look into using domestic production to close this gap. China's advantage in long-range surface-to-surface missile systems has increased, as has the gap between India and China in air-to-air and air-to-ground missile capabilities.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been focusing on local projects, but delays in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A program, due to supply chain problems with the US-based General Electric (GE), have slowed progress. The plan to build 114 fighter jets in India, in partnership with foreign manufacturers, is seen as essential for closing the capability gap.