Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh says the 114-aircraft fighter contract is targeted this financial year

4 October 2026

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh addressed the Indian Air Force's annual press conference ahead of Air Force Day at the Air Force auditorium, Subroto Park, New Delhi, on 3 October 2026. He said India aims to sign a contract worth Rs 3.25 lakh crore for 114 Rafale fighter aircraft by the end of the current financial year. On unmanned systems he said drones are evolutionary rather than revolutionary for the Air Force, which has operated them for two decades. Asked whether a separate drone force was needed, he said he did not think so, and that drones must operate together with fighters and other weapon systems, citing Operation Sindoor.