Indian Air Force Plans 20 Squadrons of Unmanned Stealth Jets by 2040

After the success of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing a major transformation in aerial warfare strategy. Defense sources have revealed that by 2040, the IAF aims to induct 20 squadrons of unmanned stealth aircraft, numbering between 300 and 400 jets. This project is separate from the IAF’s target of 42 squadrons of manned fighters and is seen as a crucial step towards gaining a technological edge in future conflicts.

The planned fleet will range from 1-ton to 13-ton aircraft and will be divided into three categories:

Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA):
Small-sized jets designed to fly alongside manned fighters such as Su-30MKI, Rafale, Tejas Mk2 and AMCA. Their primary role will be to suppress enemy air defenses, conduct reconnaissance, and strike targets. The IAF plans to raise 10–12 squadrons of these aircraft.

Tactical Stealth Fighter-Bombers:
Medium-weight jets (5–10 tonnes) capable of precision strikes in enemy territory. Equipped with weapons like the Rudram missile and BrahMos-II, their design will be similar to the American XQ-58 Valkyrie.

Unmanned Stealth Fighters:
The heaviest category, weighing 10–13 tonnes. DRDO’s Ghatak UCAV is an example, featuring a 4-ton payload, supercruise capability, and AI-driven autonomy for independent missions and leadership over other aircraft.

According to officials, this mixed fleet will give India operational flexibility across scenarios—from limited border clashes to a full-scale two-front war.

Indigenous focus and challenges
The project’s success will depend heavily on timely delivery by DRDO and HAL. DRDO is expected to provide a prototype by 2028, while HAL must demonstrate large-scale production capability. Though foreign collaboration could accelerate progress—such as algorithms from the US or stealth technology from Russia—it also poses dependency risks. Hence, India is prioritizing indigenous development.

China factor
Analysts see this move as a counter to China’s growing unmanned fleet. Beijing has already deployed its GJ-11 Sharp Sword UCAV, a flying-wing stealth aircraft, at the Luan airbase under the Eastern Theater Command. It also operates the WZ-8 supersonic reconnaissance drone, capable of Mach 3+ speeds when launched from H-6 bombers. Currently, China is believed to have at least 1–2 squadrons of unmanned stealth jets, with numbers expected to rise by 2030.

By comparison, India’s goal of 20 unmanned squadrons by 2040 is projected to significantly boost its technological and strategic strength against adversaries such as China and Pakistan.