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| Dassault Rafale MMRCA |
By Gulshan Luthra and Air Marshal Ashok Goel (Retd)
New Delhi. Seven years ago in 2005, through an article in The Tribune, we had drawn attention to the depleting strength of combat squadrons of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the imminent requirement for its transformation into a modern, 21st century force with cutting edge technologies in aircraft, systems, sensors and weapons.
IAF was then losing up to two squadrons every year, as most of its aircraft were old, difficult to service due to shortage of spares, and in any case of outdated Soviet vintage technologies.
It is IAF’s 80th Anniversary now, and looks like there have been Birthday Gifts one after another.
Much has happened since 2005. IAF is in final negotiations with the French Dassault for acquiring 126 (and possibly 63 more) Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft, 22 Boeing Apache AH-64D helicopters with Longbow radars and Stinger air-to-air Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, 10 Boeing C 17 Globemaster III strategic airlifters (possibly six more), more SU 30 MKIs air dominance fighters (272 ordered so far), and a host of other systems including six mid-air refuelers and three (plus two) Israeli Phalcon AWACS mounted on IL 76 platforms.
Tenders for Heavy Lift helicopters and more midair refuelers have also been opened. The proposal for the acquisition of Light Utility Helicopters, in which the Army is the lead buyer, is in final stage of consideration with the Ministry of Defence.
The current inventory of aircraft has also been modernised with upgraded systems, including the Mig 21 while an order to re-engine the Jaguar with a more powerful Honeywell power plant, and then to upgrade it with new weapons, in on the anvil.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne told India Strategic in an interview that “IAF’s transformation plan aims at acquiring multi-spectrum strategic capabilities…to operate effectively and decisively.”
Speed, Reach, and Precision are the keywords for IAF's Transformation.
Read the full story at India Strategic