How Much Does It Really Cost to Fly an IAF Fighter Jet for One Hour?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a diverse fleet of fighter jets, each designed to fulfill specific roles in national defense, from air superiority to multirole combat operations. Determining the precise cost to operate these aircraft for one hour involves a complex calculation that encompasses fuel consumption, maintenance, spare parts, crew training, depreciation, and other overheads. These figures are not static; they vary based on operational conditions, inflation, supply chain dynamics, and methodological differences in reporting. Official disclosures from the IAF or the Ministry of Defence are often limited, leading to reliance on estimates from defense analyses, audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and industry sources. This article examines the estimated operating costs per flight hour for key IAF fighter jets, drawing on available data as of early 2026, and highlights the factors that influence these expenses.

Understanding Operating Costs in the IAF Context

Operating costs per flight hour represent the total expenditure required to keep an aircraft airborne and mission-ready for 60 minutes. For the IAF, these costs are critical for budgeting, as the force maintains approximately 30 squadrons of fighter jets, with plans to expand to 42 by 2035. Unlike procurement prices, which are one-time investments, hourly operating costs accumulate over the aircraft's lifecycle, often exceeding initial acquisition expenses. For instance, fuel alone can account for 20-30% of the total, while maintenance—particularly for advanced systems—forms the bulk. Recent geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions have driven these costs upward, with estimates from 2025 reflecting inflationary pressures on spares and logistics.

Cost Breakdown by Aircraft Model

The IAF's fleet includes indigenous platforms like the HAL Tejas alongside imported models such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Dassault Rafale. Below is a detailed analysis of operating costs for the primary fighter jets, based on the most recent available estimates.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI

The Su-30MKI, a twin-engine multirole fighter of Russian origin, constitutes the backbone of the IAF with over 250 units in service. Its advanced avionics and heavy payload capacity make it versatile but resource-intensive. Recent projections from 2025 indicate an operating cost of approximately $40,000 per flight hour, which includes comprehensive maintenance and upgrades under programs like the "Super Sukhoi" initiative. Earlier figures from 2021 audits suggested lower costs around $10,000 per hour, but these have risen due to increased spare part prices and CAG-noted inefficiencies in aircraft-on-ground (AOG) rates. For context, if an Su-30MKI flies 200 hours annually—a standard training benchmark—the yearly operating expense per aircraft could exceed $8 million, underscoring the need for cost-optimization strategies.

Dassault Rafale

Acquired from France in a high-profile deal, the Rafale is a twin-engine multirole fighter known for its agility and sensor fusion. The IAF operates 36 units, with potential for additional procurements. Operating costs are estimated at $16,000 to $18,000 per hour, with a median of around $16,500 based on 2025 data. Fuel consumption alone contributes about $3,900 per hour, assuming 2,600-3,000 liters of aviation fuel. These figures align with French Air Force benchmarks but may be slightly higher for the IAF due to import dependencies and integration costs. Compared to older estimates, the Rafale's expenses reflect its advanced maintenance requirements, though it offers lower lifecycle costs than heavier jets like the Su-30MKI.

HAL Tejas Mk1/Mk1A

As India's indigenous light combat aircraft, the single-engine Tejas represents a push toward self-reliance, with over 40 units operational and more on order. Costs vary by variant: for the Mk1, estimates range from $4,000 to $8,000 per hour, incorporating fuel, basic maintenance, and spares. The projected Mk2 variant aims for $25,000 per hour, reflecting enhanced capabilities but still lower than imported counterparts. Domestic production keeps these figures competitive, with the Tejas requiring fewer maintenance hours—approximately 20 per flight hour in some reports—compared to legacy aircraft. This cost efficiency supports the IAF's goal of inducting 97 additional Tejas units under recent tenders.

Other Notable Jets

• MiG-29: An older Russian twin-engine fighter, with costs around $6,500 per hour based on 2021 data, though upgrades may elevate this.
• Mirage 2000: Of French origin, it operates at approximately $2,700 to $3,700 per hour, benefiting from established logistics.
• MiG-21: Phased out in many roles, its low cost of $3,000 per hour reflects simplicity but highlights safety and obsolescence issues.

Factors Influencing Operating Costs

Several elements contribute to these expenditures:

• Fuel and Consumables: Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices fluctuate with global oil markets; for example, the Rafale's fuel cost alone is substantial.
• Maintenance and Spares: Advanced jets like the Su-30MKI require 41-50 maintenance man-hours per flight hour in analogous systems, per U.S. benchmarks. CAG reports have criticized delays in spares for Russian platforms, inflating costs.
• Training and Manpower: Crew salaries and simulation training add indirect expenses.
• Depreciation and Upgrades: Lifecycle extensions, such as the Su-30MKI's modernization, amortize costs over time.
• Inflation and Geopolitics: Post-2022 supply disruptions have increased import-dependent costs by 20-30% in some estimates.

Comparative Insights and Future Trends

When compared internationally, IAF costs are moderate; for instance, the U.S. F-35 operates at $35,000 per hour, far exceeding the Tejas. Indigenous programs like Tejas offer savings, potentially reducing reliance on foreign vendors. However, squadron shortages—exacerbated by retirements—necessitate efficient budgeting. By 2035, with increased focus on domestic manufacturing, average costs may stabilize or decrease through economies of scale.

In conclusion, flying an IAF fighter jet for one hour can range from $4,000 for the economical Tejas to $40,000 for the robust Su-30MKI, reflecting a balance between capability and affordability. These figures underscore the strategic importance of indigenization and efficient resource management for sustaining India's aerial defense posture. For the most current data, consulting official IAF reports or CAG audits is recommended.