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| Clockwise from top right, SU 30 MKI, MIG-29, LCA Tejas, Rafale |
Combat aircraft constitute the cutting edge of any air force and it holds good with the IAF as well. Modernisation and upgradation of combat platforms are ongoing processes that will help the IAF maintain the operational edge at all times. By the end of the 15th Five Year Plan, it is expected that the IAF inventory would consist largely of fourth and fifth generation platforms. Notwithstanding the depleting numbers that are being witnessed today, the continuing induction of new combat platforms such as the SU 30 MKI as well as the plans of acquiring the Rafale and the Tejas, the IAF would have the capability of long-range precision attack and of delivering conventional and nuclear weapons. This would give the IAF not just the necessary deterrence capability, but also a reliable second-strike capability.
During any interaction with the layman about the Indian Air Force (IAF), the discussion normally veers to the topic of ‘fighter aircraft’. The general public holds a greater fascination for the various types of aircraft in the combat fleet (read fighter fleet) of the IAF, as can be witnessed at any public gathering that has an air display or show, which has a fly-past at its culmination. Be it the Republic Day celebrations or the Air Force Day parade or any other such occasion, it is always the display by fighter aircraft that gets the maximum applause. The fascination is not restricted to just the man on the streets but even movies and television serials portray the combat fleet of the IAF as the ‘guardians of the Indian skies’. People seldom realise that the fighter aircraft of the IAF operate in close coordination with other weapon platforms and systems which, as a team, form a lethal combination but are rarely in the public eye.
Many leaders have stated in national and international fora that India has no territorial ambitions but would defend every inch of its territory and national security interests. During the annual Air Chief Marshal PC Lal Memorial Lecture in 2006, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, as the thenDefence Minister, mentioned, “India is not looking to impose its ideology on its neighbours, yet it has to be capable of safeguarding its extended frontiers from the Gulf of Aden to the Strait of Malacca.”
The former Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh too had echoed similar thoughts in his address to the top brass of the Indian military during the Annual Armed Forces Commanders’ Conference in 2009. The nation has chosen to ensure the security of the area within the extended boundaries as it is through this region that all of the nation’s trade, commerce and energy requirements flow into the country. Sustained and a rapid economic growth since the beginning of the new century has placed the nation amongst the leading countries of the world.
Notwithstanding the temporary setback of the last decade, the new Modi-led National Democratic Alliance Government has once again managed to draw international focus onto India. The country’s economic rise, coupled with the continuously evolving geopolitical scenario, has placed additional responsibilities on the security forces of the nation, especially so on the IAF. The question then arises whether or not, the IAF has the wherewithal and capabilities in respect of the combat fleet, now and for the future, to match its constantly increasing role and responsibilities?
Looking Back
The modernisation programme for the IAF has been an ongoing process, a continuous evolution and it all began with the IAF becoming the first Air Force in South and South East Asia to be equipped with combat jets. In 1948, it acquired from the United Kingdom (UK) the Vampire jet fighter aircraft. Subsequently, the modernisation process moved ahead in giant leaps or crawled, depending upon various factors ranging mainly from bureaucratic meddling to political indifference to economic slowdown and paucity of funds.
Modernisation, as always, is a statement of a nation’s economic strength. It is an indicator of the country’s show of power in its region of influence and in the committee of nations. Through the decades after 1947, the IAF acquired the French Ouragon, renamed by the IAF as the ‘Toofani’, the Mystere once again from France, the Hunter, Canberra and the Gnat from the UK in the 1950s. The MiG 21 family of air defence aircraft and the Su-7 ground attack aircraft came from the then Soviet Union with induction beginning in the 1960s.
Following these acquisitions, other combat platforms were procured through the 1970s to 1980s, right through to the present times. These included the MiG 23 MF variable geometry air defence fighter aircraft, the MiG 23 BN variable geometry ground attack aircraft, the MiG 27 ground attack aircraft manufactured under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the MiG 25 Foxbat high altitude strategic reconnaissance platform – all from the Soviet Union on attractive financial terms. From British Aerospace of the UK, the IAF received the Anglo-French Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft and the Mirage 2000 delta wing multi-role combat a highly successful product from Dassault Aviation of France.
The acquisition programmes of the IAF today aimed at modernisation are a follow-on of what began with the Vampire jets, to initially attain, then sustain and when required, to regain its operational capability in response to the threats from our not-so-friendly neighbours and to meet regional commitments arising out of a continually evolving geopolitical situation.
Present Status of the IAF
In the 1960s, after two successive wars, one with China in 1962 and the other with Pakistan in 1965, several studies were conducted to suggest ways and means to strengthen the Armed Forces. One significant recommendation that emerged from the studies was that the IAF should be equipped with a total of 64 squadrons of which squadrons holding combat aircraft should total to 45. This strength was calculated to effectively meet the combined threat posed by the two hostile neighbours China and Pakistan. The closest to this figure of 64 squadrons that the IAF has so far been is to raise and maintain 39½ squadrons, a figure achieved during the 1970s and 1980s, when the maximum acquisitions took place.
Today, the strength of combat squadrons stands at 34 and this is likely to reduce further to 30 squadrons in the next three years or so with the older types such as the MiG 21 Bison and MiG 27 due to be retired from service having been overtaken by obsolescence reached the end of their total technical life. In the meantime, the Government has accorded approval for increase in the strength of the combat fleet to 42 squadrons by the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan i.e. in the period 2022 to 2027.
To arrest the rapid depletion in force levels that would undoubtedly result in the erosion of the operational potential, the IAF has embarked on the mid-life upgrade and modernisation of some the other fleets. These upgrades would help the fleets to render avant-garde service for another two to three decades, if not more.
MiG 29 Fleet
The upgrade of the MiG 29 fleet was initiated in 2007 and is likely to be completed in 2016. The task, of upgrading the 66 aircraft on the inventory, has been contracted to RAC MIG of Russia at a cost of $964 million (Rs 6,000 crore). Under the upgrade programme, the aircraft will have an enhanced fuel capacity, new airborne radar and other modern avionics as well as an upgraded power plant.
Mirage 2000 Fleet
The contract for the modernisation of the Mirage 2000 fleet of the 50-odd aircraft remaining on the inventory of the IAF was finalised in 2011 and the task is to be completed by mid-2021. As per the contract, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will upgrade 46 of the aircraft after the first four have been upgraded in France. This would be under the clause of Transfer of Technology. The end-product will bring the Indian fleet to Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 standard which includes a new radar system, weapon suite, missiles, Electronic Warfare (EW) systems and much more. The airframe is being stripped to the bare skeleton and rewired for the new avionics, mission computers, glass cockpit, helmet-mounted display, EW suites and other new fitments. These modifications would also enhance the total technical life of the aircraft. Along with the upgrade of the Mirage fleet, a separate contract with MBDA Company has also been signed for the supply of 450 MICA air defence missiles for the upgraded fleet.
Jaguar Fleet
The Jaguar twin-engine deep penetration strike aircraft has been in service with the IAF since 1979. The aircraft has a proven record of reliability and is currently operated in five squadrons of the IAF. After the acquisition of a few Jaguar aircraft initially from the United Kingdom (UK) in fly-away condition, the remaining platforms were manufactured under licence by HAL. The Jaguar fleet is now being upgraded by HAL in a $585 million (Rs 3,600 crore) contract and is likely to be completed by 2017.
The upgraded aircraft will have a multi-mode radar, glass cockpit, DARIN-III navigation and attack system avionics, Hands-on-Throttle-and-Stick (HOTAS) controls, an Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) and more powerful engines from Honeywell. Even as the Jaguar fleet is being upgraded, the IAF is also keen for a replacement for the Jaguar fleet as it has already served the IAF for three and a half decades and will, in the next decade and a half, reach the end of its total technical life.
SU 30 MKI
As on date, the muscle of the combat aircraft fleet lies in the SU-30 MKI fleet. This fleet is scheduled to be built up by 2019 to a strength of 272 aircraft operating in 15 squadrons of the IAF.
The SU-30 MKI aircraft is an all-weather, heavy weight, long range air dominance fighter manufactured under licence by HAL under a $12 billion (Rs 72,000 crore) contract with Russia. This is a fourth generation aircraft modified specially to meet the needs of the IAF. It integrates Indian systems along with Israeli and French sub-systems on a Russian platform.
The fleet has provided the IAF with the capability and the strategic reach to counter any threat both within the nation’s airspace as well as in the region. The aircraft, though not initially designed to carry strategic weapons, is being modified to carry the air-launched version of the Indo-Russian Brahmos missile. It is also reported that the aircraft will be modified to carry the nuclear-capable Nirbhay missile too. Talks are on with Russia to upgrade the fleet to fifth-generation standards. If this plan is successful, this fleet will continue to operate in the Indian skies for at least another three to four decades.
The IAF of the Future
The IAF has laid considerable emphasis on building its core competencies because of decisive factors from recent conflicts and the continually evolving geo-political situation both within the region and beyond. The IAF has moved ahead to develop itself into a major component of national power with a capability of anti-access, target identification and force protection through swift and decisive application of technology and fire power. The impetus to its acquisition, upgrade and modernisation programmes is to not only regain but also substantially improve its operational capabilities. The progress is generally satisfactory. However, some programmes despite the best efforts, do have a few hiccups and delays.
Dassault Rafale/The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA)
The original deal for 126 fighter aircraft under the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft contest began in 2007. Dassault Rafale was shortlisted in 2012 after rigorous evaluation but negotiations have been stuck over pricing and delivery guarantees for the aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) in India.
But now the direct purchase of 36 aircrafts will drive down the costs as there is no technology transfer involved and the delivery of aircraft will be faster.
The major reasons for the direct purchase of 36 Rafale jets from France are the fast-depleting fighter strength of the Indian Air Force, unending delays in the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft negotiations and the steep price rise.
The fighter aircraft strength has fallen drastically to 34 squadrons from the sanctioned 42 and is set to further dip with the phasing out of MiG-21s and MiG-27s in the next few years. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, has flagged the issue on several occasions. The MMRCA and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, the replacements, are nowhere on the horizon. Also with the price crossing $20 billion, funding this was a concern for the government with other major modernisation programmes in the offing.
But still the fate of original MMRCA deal is unknown.
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
The IAF is also facing delays in the induction of the indigenous product, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) christened as the Tejas Mk I. On account of the phasing out of the MiG 21 fleet which is underway, the Tejas Mk I aircraft is so needed to augment its tactical air operations capability. It was hoped that the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) would only be a matter of time for the LCA, after attaining the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in early 2011. The progress has been tardy and the FOC has now been scheduled for June 2015.
HAL is already working on the development of Tejas Mk II that will be powered by the GE-414 engine, more powerful than the present GE-404 engine. At this point in time, the IAF has placed orders for 40 Tejas Mk I LCA. The IAF is prepared to wait for the LCA Tejas Mk II and hopes to have a fleet of 200 aircraft by 2022, a mix of both versions i. e. the Tejas Mk I and Mk II.
Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA)
Apart from the plans to acquire an upgraded fifth-generation version of the SU-30 MKI aircraft, the IAF has also been moving forward to realise India’s largest programme to acquire a ‘true-blood’ Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). India and Russia have signed an agreement to co-develop and co-produce the FGFA which will a customised version of the Russian T-50 PAK FA to meet with the specific requirements of the IAF. The T-50 PAK FA is currently in the test flight phase.
The FGFA will have features such as stealth, super-cruise and ultra-manoeuvrability, combined with modern weapon systems, which would give the aircraft the capability to switch roles in flight, a much-desired characteristic of a future aircraft dubbed as omni-role capability. The HAL, once again the partner for this venture, has committed $6 billion (Rs 36,000 crore) for the project, out of a total programme cost of about $30 billion (Rs 180,000 crore). Post the design phase in Russia, the manufacture of the aircraft will be undertaken at HAL in India. As things stand, the FGFA is likely to enter service from 2020 onwards and the IAF expects to build a fleet strength of about 144 aircraft.
NOTE: The indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) has been left out of the list since it is still in design phase and no prototypes are developed so far. Rumors about the purchase of other fighters similar to LCA Tejas is also not taken into account.
Conclusion
Combat aircraft constitute the cutting edge of any air force and so it is with the IAF as well. Modernisation and upgradation of combat platforms are ongoing processes that will help the IAF maintain the operational edge at all times. By the end of the 15th Five Year Plan, it is expected that the IAF inventory would consist largely of fourth and fifth generation platforms. Notwithstanding the depleting numbers that are being witnessed today, the continuing induction of new combat platforms such as the SU 30 MKI as well as the plans of acquiring the Rafale and the Tejas, the IAF would have the capability of long-range precision attack and of delivering conventional and nuclear weapons. This would give the IAF not just the necessary deterrence capability, but also a reliable second-strike capability.
With some of these aircraft types having multi-role capabilities, the IAF has the flexibility of deploying them as per the evolving strategic and tactical situation, either well beyond their unassisted range or through assistance of force-multipliers giving a tremendous boost to the operational potential. In 2032, the IAF would be celebrating its centenary year. In this century of dedicated service to the nation, the IAF’s inventory would have changed from Wapitis and Sopwith Camels, to state-of-the-art technology with an eye on the future. ‘Change’ is the keyword to move with the times. The fleet of combat aircraft available with the IAF today have and will, in the future, have the capacity to provide firepower on a timely basis, whatever the situation might be.
