Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. On Thursday, Singh took stock of the combat preparedness of the Air Force while flying a single sortie of MiG-29 UPG multi-role fighter aircraft. During this, he also reviewed the operational preparedness of an important base of Western Air Command (WAC). Due to security reasons, the exact location of the MiG-29 flight and the associated base has not been made public.

This flight of the Air Force Chief is being seen as a demonstration of the combat capability, quick response and mission readiness of the Indian Air Force at forward bases. After completing the flight, Air Chief Marshal Singh also met the ex-servicemen of the Air Force present at the base and appreciated their contribution in the service of the country. This dialogue reflects the continuity between the tradition, experience and new generation of the Air Force.

VIDEO | Punjab: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flies MiG 29 fighter aircraft.

(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/csZ4jI8RdW

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 12, 2026

What is MiG-29?

The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a twin-engine fighter aircraft, which was developed by the Soviet Union. The Indian Air Force had decided to modernize its MiG-29 fleet, which has been in service for almost four decades, under which they have been equipped with advanced avionics, modern radar and air refueling capability. The MiG-29 was developed in the 1970s and was inducted into the Air Force in the 1980s. It was originally designed to counter the challenge of aircraft like the American F-16.

Features of MiG-29

The advanced MiG-29 is a fourth-generation air superiority fighter aircraft with precision strike capability with both air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. This aircraft can achieve a maximum speed of about 2465 kilometers per hour (Mach 2.35) and is capable of flying at a height of 17,000 meters. Its climb rate is about 330 meters per second, making it quick to react and effective in dynamic combat situations.

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Indian Air Force: The Indian government has approved the purchase of 114 more Rafale fighter jets from France. With this step, the squadron strength of the Indian Air Force is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. In the meantime, let us know how many fighter jets are there in a squadron of the Indian Air Force and how many does India have at present.

How many fighter jets are there in a squadron?

A standard fighter squadron of the Indian Air Force usually consists of 18 fighter aircraft. Of these 18 aircraft, about 16 are operational fighter jets, while two are trainer aircraft. These are used for pilot conversion and operational training. Apart from this, some aircraft are kept in reserve to manage maintenance cycles and emergencies. Each squadron is usually commanded by an officer of the rank of Wing Commander. It oversees operational preparation, training and deployment.

How many fighter squadrons does India have now?

By February 2026, the Indian Air Force is operating approximately 29 active fighter squadrons. This is much less than its sanctioned strength of 42.5 squadrons. This is considered necessary to deal with the two front situation. The decline in squadron numbers over the past few years has been mainly due to the retirement of older aircraft such as the MiG variants. Along with this, new aircraft have been gradually included.

Total fighter aircraft in service

Based on the current 29-30 squadrons, India has approximately 520 to 540 operational fighter aircraft. This number keeps going up and down depending on retirements, upgrades and new inductions. Although the fleet is still strong, the gap between sanctioned and actual numbers remains a strategic concern.

114 What will change with Rafale jet?

With the approval to purchase 114 more Rafale jets, the number of squadrons is expected to improve significantly in the next 10 years. Once inducted, these aircraft will greatly help India get closer to its projected strength and modernize its fighter fleet. With growing regional security challenges, expanding squadron capability is not just about numbers. It is about maintaining air power and also about the strength of the Indian Air Force.

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China j-10c fighter jet: Egypt is preparing to become a new example in the military strategies of the world. While this country is already operating American F-16, Russian Mig-29 and French Rafale fighter jets. At the same time, he can soon include Chinese J-10C fighter jet in his aerial fleet. This step can make Egypt the first and only country in the world, which will have state-of-the-art fighter aircraft of four different countries.

The J-10C fighter jet was performed at the international air show held in Egypt in September 2024 and then in April 2025 in April 2025, during a joint air practice called Eagles of Civilisation, the footage of seeing an Egyptian pilot sitting in J-10C has been strengthened-all of them have strengthened speculation that Egypt is now bending towards this modern 4.5th generation of China. Although in February 2025, the Chinese Defense Ministry termed the news of the purchase of J-10C from Egypt as “fake”, but experts believe that existing incidents indicate that the deal is not far away now.

South Korea’s FA-50 or China’s J-10C

While Egypt is showing interest in South Korea’s fighter jet FA-50, the chances of J-10C are currently stronger. The FA-50 is priced low and is equipped with stealth features, which makes a suitable option for developing countries in terms of budget. However, J-10C’s air-to-air combat capacity, active electronic scanning radar (AESA) and its use in Pakistan have made it a more attractive option for Egypt.

How will Egyptian strategic position change with J-10C?

If Egypt buys Chinese J-10C, it will be the second country in the world after Pakistan that will operate this aircraft. This will bring a strategic balance to the Egyptian Air Force as the J-10C represents China’s modern war system, including the PL-15 long-range missiles, digital avionics, and the ability to assault.

The world’s most diverse fighter jet unit?

Currently, the Egyptian Air Force has more than 200 F-16, which have been purchased from the US. More than 30 MIG-29-Met from Russia. More than 24 Rafale were purchased from France and now the Chinese J-10C will also be near Egyptian Air Force. Together, all this makes Egypt one of the world’s most diverse fighter jet operating air forces. Defense experts believe that this mixed fighter fleet also helps Egypt to maintain its diplomacy freedom and political balance.