Depends - on average it is actually ok for IAF - the PAF averages around that figure or slightly more depending upon operational deployments or exercises while the IAF has fluctuated between 190+ hours for the most experienced/ training units(TACDE) all the way out to <60 hours for some units operating Mig-29K. MKI averages 100 hours or lower , so does Mirage 2000 so Rafale actually has the highest tempo.
It definitely has a high operating cost but ADA pilots actually averaged that number as well(which is below NATO required 180 hours) so on par.
Do you know that the MKI has a higher operational cost to the IAF two years ago despite local spare production purely out of their own inefficiencies. Now they are making strides to reduce that eventually by 2030(unless they shoot themselves in the foot which is likely) with their super sukhoi changes they might have it to 75% availability IF EVERYTHING GOES TO PLAN(When does it ever).
However, they still need to make up for a pilot shortfall which I believe they intend to address through a combo agniveer(or whatever their part time program is) but India's own success is screwing it here.
Then there is their own fleet diversity issue - you have 6-7 distinct(not even cross pollinated) aircraft types. An Su-30MKI IP cannot supervise Mirage 2000 absorption(rare few exceptions aside) A Jaguar IP cannot certify Rafale conversion. They actually had times where squadrons DID NOT HAVE A IP. Flight hours are still great there but no one to verify if those counted for something. They have augmented it with simulators with Rafale's leading the way, and MKIs to follow suit - the Tejas is a joke of an impact on the IAF's strength that it does not even warrant a discussion.
Moreover,
as it modernizes its fleet - it needs more pilots then its current(or even future) training operating at MAX levels can provide BEFORE the commercial sector scavenging can begin which focuses on experienced Instructor pilots - IPs. Ironically, India's economic success is making its defense weak here... only a hike in pilot salaries can help
reduce but not eliminate the shortage or - again ironic - a recession lasting for 5+ years.
Now here is the bitter pill, the PAF is doing just slightly better than the IAF - not great.
I wont go into too many specifics but your F-16s are STILL the most reliable platform with the J-10s comparable - the JF-17 next, then the Mirages and F-7s. However, from a pure pilot perspective the PAF is now below required high standards of 2 pilots per cockpit especially as newer platforms are inducted.
However, as last known the IP issue has not hit PAF... yet and IPs are not overloaded in PAF so skills upgrade timelines are compressed compared to IAF. In this specific timeframe there is also the advantage of F-16 and JF-17 cross pollination(for now) where a JF-17IP may have F-16 background so they can supervise F-16 conversion as well. (
@AeronautIR could elaborate further)
