One important thing that we need to know is that jet engines were first produced in Germany around the 2nd world war.at the end of the war the occupiers-America ,USSR France n England forced german scientists to produce these for their respective countries...Ditto for missiles..The started off...
Frankly No of squadrons or planes i less important than the ability to produce them fast..Few wars start overnight.Generally it takes about two to three months to prapare after the decision has been made..In that sense i assume LCA Tejas is more important than Su30 MKI.
And for defensive wars...