The Parliamentary standing committee on defence urged the Indian Air Force (IAF) to use all the allocated funds for the purpose of modernisation and upgradation of various platforms.
According to media reports, the committee, which submitted its latest report in Parliament last week, observed that there has been an increase of 37.07 per cent in the capital budget for the IAF for the financial year 2026–27 compared to the budget estimates of FY 2025–26.
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"The allotted funds are planned to be utilised against some of the major new schemes like MRFA (Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, which refers to the Rafale procurement), combat enablers (AEW&C, LCA Mk-1A), MTA, and medium-altitude long-endurance RPA (remotely piloted aircraft), in addition to the ongoing committed liabilities,” a report in the Hindustan Times quoted the committee report as saying.
These procurements and updates, including those of the medium transport aircraft (MTA) and additional airborne early warning and control (AEW&C), are expected to strengthen the combat readiness of the force, which is facing a fighter jet squadron shortage.
Earlier this month, media reports had said the defence procurement board of the defence ministry had recommended going ahead with the proposal to procure 60 MTA for the IAF. The deal, which has drawn competitive bids from Lockheed Martin, Airbus and Embraer, is waiting for approval from the defence acquisition council and the cabinet committee on security.
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The defence acquisition council has already granted acceptance of necessity for the procurement of Rafale fighter jets from France in February.
The committee further urged the IAF to fully utilise the funds. “Keeping in view the modernisation of the armed forces, especially during the current geopolitical scenario, the committee urges the Air Force to gainfully utilise the allocated funds for modernisation and technological upgradation in armament and in the procurement of other vital platforms,” the report said.
