Military & Aerospace

Indian Air Force: Looking into the future
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Issue Vol. 26.4 Oct-Dec 2011 | Date : 30 Jan , 2012

Its (India) military might needs to grow in tandem with its economic influence so that it can shoulder additional responsibilities that developments in the region may warrant.

Air Chief Marshal PV Naik, who recently demitted office as Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), commented that China had embarked on a “modernisation spree” and there had been “considerable development” of infrastructure and “induction of assets across India’s northern and eastern borders”. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is rapidly acquiring Su-30 air-superiority fighters, JF-17 Thunder aircraft, J-10B strike fighters, Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, FRA and AD systems to transform into a modern air power. Its J-20 stealth fighter, currently under development, is expected to significantly enhance its capabilities. Consequently, the IAF is increasingly focussing on the eastern theatre. Pakistan is also inducting a variety of combat aircraft. From the US it is receiving 28 advanced F-16C/Ds; from China, 250 JF-17 Thunder fighters and one or two squadrons of J-10B jets.

Consequently, the IAF could find itself facing well over 1000 advanced combat aircraft across its borders within the next few years. Can it retain its combat edge over its rivals?

A Long List

The world’s fourth largest air force after the US, Russia and China, the 170,000-strong IAF has over 60 operational air bases across the country, with around 1,450 aircraft of different types. Its modernisation plan is impressive.

MMRCA. Top of the list is the eagerly awaited Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA). This decade-long saga is reaching fruition with a contract for 126 advanced fighters (either the Dassault Rafale or the Eurofighter Typhoon) expected to be signed later this year. The first 18 imported jets should be delivered by the end of 2014, while the remaining 108 will be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) from 2016-2017 onwards. The first of six MMRCA squadrons is likely to be based at Ambala. There’s also an option to acquire 63 more aircraft. With inflation factored in, the cost of the extended deal could exceed $20 billion.

HAL_TejasTejas. This is another long story, stretching back over 20 years. The IAF plans to induct at least 40 of the indigenously designed and manufactured Tejas Mk-I light combat aircraft from March 2012 onwards. The Tejas Mk-II, with the more powerful GE F414 engine, better avionics and heavier weapon load may make its maiden flight by 2014-15. The IAF has projected an initial requirement of 80 of these aircraft.

FGFA. Specifically known as the T-50 or by the strange name “Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation” (PAK FA), the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) plan is for 214 aircraft for the IAF under a joint Indo-Russian project. These aircraft with stealth and super-cruise characteristics are expected from around 2020 onwards, although delays are more than likely. The project could eventually cost around $35 billion.

Su-30Su-30MKI. An RFP has been issued for another 42 Su-30MKI air-superiority fighters, which will eventually bring the total IAF orders to 272.

C-130J. The IAF has received four out of six special operations C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from Lockheed Martin, and later this year all of them will be delivered. A new squadron called 77 Squadron has been raised at Air Force Station Hindan, Ghaziabad, for the purpose. There are also plans to acquire six additional C-130Js, which will bring the total to 12.

C-17. A $4.1 billion deal for 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft has been approved. Being procured through the Foreign Military Sales route, these should be delivered around 2013-14 and will also be based at Air Force Station Hindan. The fleet of 17 strategic-lift IL-76MD aircraft that the C 17 is set to replace is already 26 years old and may not last more than 10-15 years. Hence, a follow-on order for seven additional C-17s can be expected.

Attack Helicopters. The IAF needs 22 new attack helicopters to replace its ageing fleet of MI35. Boeing’s AH-64D Apache and the Mil Mi-28NE are the two contenders. Deliveries could start from 2014, with the first operational units being fielded by 2015.

Heavy-Lift Helicopters. This too is a two-horse race with Boeing’s Chinook CH-47F competing against the Mil Mi-26T2 for 15 heavy lift helicopters for the IAF.

Medium Helicopters. The IAF will induct 80 Mi-17-IV helicopters over the next couple of years to augment its medium-lift capability. It is also considering ordering another 59.

CH47F_ChinookUtility Helicopter. This proposed deal for a total of 197 helicopters (of which the IAF needs 55) is being coordinated with the Indian Army which is the lead buyer. The Eurocopter AS550C3 Fennec and the Kamov Ka-226T are in the fray. Another 184 are to be designed and manufactured by HAL.

VVIP Helicopters. 12 AgustaWestland AW101 VVIP helicopters are already on order.

AWACS. Three Phalcon AWACS aircraft based on the IL-76/A-50 platform have been received. Negotiations are in progress for two more. The first Indian-designed AEW&C radar is also due to be integrated with an Embraer ERJ-45 jet this year. It should take another two years to fully certify the system. The IAF is looking to induct a total of nine such Tier 2 AEW&C systems.

Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA). A plan to add six FRA to the IAF’s existing fleet of six is progressing. EADS’ Airbus A330 MRTT and Rosoboronexport’s IL-78 (Mk 90) are competing.

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The views expressed are of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of the Indian Defence Review.

About the Author

Gp Capt Joseph Noronha

Former MiG-21 Pilot and experienced IAF instructor before he turned to writing articles on aviation.

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