The article covers the issues that the Indian Air Force (IAF) has had in modernising its fighter jet force due to procurement delays and insufficient finances.
Why discuss this?
- The IAF currently has 31 fighter squadrons, as opposed to the sanctioned strength of 42.
- This figure is predicted to remain stable or even drop by 2029.
- The IAF spokesperson assured the Parliamentary standing committee that the shortage would most likely not be met anytime soon.
A Brief History of the Indian Air Force (IAF)
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) was founded in 1932 and played an essential part in India’s security during World War II and the 1947-48 Kashmir War.
- In the 1960s and 1970s, it was modernised with the introduction of new aircraft and weapons systems.
- Since then, the IAF has expanded to become one of the world’s largest air forces, playing an important role in India’s defence and security.
The IAF’s Current Situation
- Large workforce: The IAF has over 1,500 aircraft and 140,000 men, making it one of the world’s largest air forces.
- The IAF has a sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons, while its current strength is 31 squadrons.
- Victorious wars: It was crucial in several conflicts, notably the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, as well as the Kargil crisis in 1999.
- It has also participated in humanitarian aid and disaster relief activities, such as the 2004 tsunami and the 2013 Uttarakhand floods.
Challenges faced
- The IAF faces multiple challenges in the 21st century.
- Decommissioning aircraft: By the end of the decade, many of the Jaguars, Mirage-2000s, and Mig-29s will begin going out, which is why the decision on Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) is essential to arrest this drawdown.
- Arsenal shortages: The IAF is facing a fighter aircraft shortfall, which is a major issue given the current geopolitical climate.
- Selective modernization is one of the important challenges, and it includes modernising its aircraft and weaponry systems.
- Diverse threat: The IAF must also maintain operational preparedness in order to deal with the changing character of warfare, which includes non-state actors, asymmetric warfare, and cyber threats.
- Logistic ramifications: In order to properly support its operations, the IAF must upgrade its logistics and infrastructure.
- Maintenance issues: There is a steady convergence with vendors for “long-term spares and repair contracts.”
Opportunities for the IAF
- In the current period, the IAF has various opportunities to improve its capabilities.
- Modernization entails purchasing new aircraft, weapons systems, and technology, which can dramatically improve the IAF’s combat capability.
- Joint cooperation: The IAF can also improve its international cooperation with other air forces in order to gather knowledge and improve interoperability.
- Induction of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs): The IAF can also investigate the use of UAVs for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations.
- Indigenization: The IAF is emphasising the importance of indigenous fighter jet production through the LCA and Fifth Generation fighter aircraft programmes.
Fleet modernization challenges
- Procurement delays: Due to procurement delays and limited finances, the IAF has considerable hurdles in modernising its fleet.
- R&D and infrastructure bottlenecks: Implementing indigenization is a difficult process that necessitates major investment in R&D, infrastructure, and human resources.
- Others: Other difficulties include a shortage of skilled workforce, restricted funding, and the necessity for technology transfer from international partners.
Way ahead
- To attain long-term self-reliance, the IAF must prioritise the procurement of MRFA, focus on boosting Su-30 availability rates, and invest in its own industry.
- Effective coordination between business, government, and the armed services is critical for the success of defence indigenization activities.
Source: https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2023/04/indias-fighter-jet-conundrum.html