The latest blow to the IAF is the abandonment of a two-year-old plan to produce single-engine fighters in large numbers indigenously with foreign collaboration under the ‘Make in India’ initiative
IN THE RECENT PAST, HOPES OF THE INDIAN AIR FORCE (IAF) of arresting the precipitous drop in the strength of its combat fleet have been dashed yet again. The service has long been assured that “action is in hand” to attain its sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons by 2032, but achievement of that goal now appears impossible. As is well known, the figure of 42 combat squadrons, each consisting of 18 to 20 aircraft, is the assessed minimum the IAF requires to engage China and Pakistan in a putative two-front conflict. Even as the IAF’s numbers plunge, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China is rapidly expanding and modernising. The Pakistan Air Force is also upgrading and at some point in time, could conceivably cross the IAF’s strength numerically, though the IAF would continue to enjoy a qualitative edge.
The latest blow to the IAF’s punch is the apparent abandonment by the government of a two-year-old plan to produce single-engine fighters in large numbers indigenously with foreign collaboration under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The frontrunners were Lockheed Martin of the United States with the F-16 Block 70 and Saab of Sweden with its JAS 39 Gripen E. However, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) apparently wants to expand the competition to twin-engine jets, including Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, since the F-18E variant is a strong contender for the Indian Navy’s impending contract for 57 carrier-based fighters. The IAF is reportedly struggling to formulate an approach in line with the MoD’s sudden change of heart which has more to do with politics than logic or operational imperatives.
STATE OF PLAY
This story is from the April 2018 edition of SP’s Aviation.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2018 edition of SP’s Aviation.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CZECH REPUBLIC ORDERS TWO EMBRAER C-390 MILLENNIUM MULTI-MISSION AIRCRAFT
The Czech Republic becomes the fourth NATO member to acquire the C-390 Millennium
LOCKHEED CONSTELLATION: "CALL ME CONNIE!"
In October 1961 the IAF's No. 6 Squadron \"Dragons\" added nine retired Air-India International Super Constellations to its fleet. Seven of these were modified for Maritime Reconnaissance. Two Super Connies served as freighters or troop carriers.
INDIA AND US SIGN GA'S MQ-9B PREDATOR DRONES; AGREEMENT ON ESTABLISHING MRO FACILITY IN INDIA
General Atomics Predator Drones represents a pivotal asset for India's defence capabilities, particularly in enhancing ISR and strike capabilities
"WE FORESEE POTENTIAL SUPPLIERS ACROSS DEFENCE, COMMERCIAL AVIATION AND EXECUTIVE JETS BUSINESSES GIVEN THE ADVANCE AEROSPACE ENGINEERING CAPABILITIES IN INDIA."
In an exclusive interaction, Frederico Lemos, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Defense & Security speaks with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, on a range of subjects concerning their increased global footprint, especially on expanding their partnership with India
SHOWCASING POWER OF COLLABORATION
Exercise Tarang Shakti, India's largest multinational air exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening operational capabilities, also demonstrated India's growing stature in global military and defence production
INDIA'S QUEST FOR INDIGENOUS JET ENGINE REMAINS AT THE THRESHOLD
While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has denied the reports to impose penalties on GE over the delays of the F404 jet engine, India's quest for the indigenous jet engine remains at the threshold in search of its IPs and tech
LCA MKIA DELAYED, MRFA ON SLOW MODE - IMPLICATIONS FOR IAF
The IAF is currently operating at around 30 squadrons, well below the authorised strength of 42 squadrons, and defence analysts recommend 50 squadrons to handle a two-front conflict
A BOLDER APPROACH TOWARDS BUILDING CAPABILITY INDIGENOUSLY - AIR CHIEF MARSHAL A.P. SINGH
The annual press day by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh was a testament to the Indian Air Force's strategic vision for modernisation and self-reliance
'IAF AIMS TO BE AN AGILE AND ADAPTABLE AIR FORCE'
On the occasion of the 92nd IAF Day, Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP's Aviation spoke extensively to Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, on a range of subjects concerning the Indian Air Force
KEY ELEMENTS OF SAF (SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL)
With SAF being constantly pushed as a panacea, a reality check is essential. The journey to achieve net zero by 2050 will in truth be long, arduous and terribly expensive. Success is by no means assured without urgent measures.