The Hindu : National : “IAF will be transformed in a decade”

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Oct 06, 2007
ePaper

National

National

“IAF will be transformed in a decade”

Sandeep Dikshit

Indigenisation of key weapons systems an absolute must: Air Chief Marshal Fali Major
“The scope for putting weapons in space is as wide as space”

NEW DELHI: Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Fali H Major on Friday said that though depleting force levels was a matter of concern, the Air Force would turn the corner in another five to 10 years. “Everybody is concerned [over the falling squadron strength] but not worried. If it had not been revived, we would have been worried. Induction takes time as we are not buying off-the-shelf. Every air force has gone through this process,” he said at a news conference.

“At the same time we have home-grown tactics and doctrine, which still makes the IAF a credible fighting arm. We hope once all inductions and upgrades fructify, you will see a different Air Force in the next five to 10 years.”

The IAF now has 32 squadrons and the strength is expected to dip further.

However, with the induction of more Sukhois, the planned purchase of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) and introduction of the indigenous light combat (LCA) aircraft, the force levels are expected to reach the government authorised 39.5 squadrons. In addition, the IAF will have more force multipliers, such as the ‘eye-in-the-sky’ AWACS, sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles and air-to-air refuellers, besides a comprehensive upgrade of the entire air defence system.

The IAF had completed the upgrade of Jaguar and MiG-27 fighters and was finalising the upgrades of MiG-29 and Mirage-2000 planes. Next on the list would be transport planes, helicopters and other weapons systems.

“I admit there are technology gaps as compared to more sophisticated air forces but we are in the process of filling them up by indigenous research and development and inductions from foreign vendors. The IAF believes that indigenisation of the key weapons systems is an absolute must, as others will never ever give [such as stealth and electronic warfare technology] to us. It is a slow process but we will achieve what we want,” he said.India was close to completing negotiations for joint development of fifth generation fighters and multi role transport aircraft with Russia.“The air staff requirements for the fifth generation fighters have been made. It will take five years for development and it will be 8-10 years before the first fighter takes to the skies.”

The IAF planned to narrow down the inventory in the medium and long term. It would bank on the Sukhois, MMRCA and LCA fighters. However, another force multiplier — an aerospace command — would take time, he said. He denied it would have an offensive role. Rather it would extend the reach of the IAF. “Having sensors in the sky gives a lot of strength. We have a lot to learn. We are talking to the Army and Navy for joint use of the command. It is going to take time. The scope for putting weapons in space is as wide as space. For the moment we are not thinking on those lines.”

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National