Military & Aerospace

Indian Air Force: 2025
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Issue Vol. 30.4 Oct-Dec 2015 | Date : 05 Oct , 2017

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With the Middle East in flames and Pakistan military-terrorist nexus routinely triggering border skirmishes, India is virtually at war. China now has a vibrant aircraft industry and routinely displays aggressive behaviour on the Sino-Indian border. Very close military and economic links between China and Pakistan is a cause of concern for India. Build up of India’s military strength has not kept pace with the increasing threat. The new government’s ‘Make in India’ thrust especially on defence is a very welcome move. Mired in bureaucratic red tape and political indecision, the Government of India (GoI) takes years to identify, select and induct military hardware. To cut short the procedure, direct government-to-government purchase is now becoming more of a norm. At the current pace, it may take over 15 years to reach the authorised 42 squadrons. A three-pronged approach is required to get value for money. Drive ‘Make in India’ hard, accelerate purchase of already selected systems and improve serviceability of existing systems.

India has miles to go before the combat fleet achieves the required number of 42 squadrons…

On July 30, 2015, the then Minister of Defence Manohar Parrikar informed the Upper House of Parliament that the government had withdrawn the multi-billion dollar tender for the 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), for which the Dassault Rafale was shortlisted in 2012. Earlier during his visit to France in April 2015, Prime Minister Modi had announced that India would purchase 36 Rafale in fly-away condition. The long-awaited deal under a new framework would reportedly cost $7 billion and is near finalisation. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is down to 33 combat squadrons vis-a-vis the authorised 42.

The tech-savvy Defence Minister has instituted a number of measures for enhanced efficiency such as speedy approvals by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), a hike in the levels of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in defence production, acceptance of middlemen in defence procurement, revamping of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and review of procedures and norms for blacklisting of companies. The recent oil price crash, low inflation and once again booming economy provide a fresh window of opportunity. For modernisation, the equipment-intensive IAF is the most affected.

To prevent further downslide, the phasing out of five squadrons of older MiG-21 variants has already been delayed to early 2017. The MiG-21 Bison fleet will be forced to continue till 2025 with depleting availability of spares. The DRDO-designed, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk I is well behind schedule and the closer-to-specifications LCA Tejas Mk II will not be operational till 2022. When compared with India, China has over double the number of combat aircraft and the IAF’s edge over the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is at an all-time low of 1.5:1.

Antonov AN32

With the Middle East in flames and Pakistan military-terrorist nexus routinely triggering border skirmishes, India is virtually at war. China now has a vibrant aircraft industry and routinely displays aggressive behaviour on the Sino-Indian border. Very close military and economic links between China and Pakistan is a cause of concern for India. Build up of India’s military strength has not kept pace with the increasing threat. The new government’s ‘Make in India’ thrust especially on defence is a very welcome move. Mired in bureaucratic red tape and political indecision, the Government of India (GoI) takes years to identify, select and induct military hardware. To cut short the procedure, direct government-to-government purchase is now becoming more of a norm. At the current pace, it may take over 15 years to reach the authorised 42 squadrons. A three-pronged approach is required to get value for money. Drive ‘Make in India’ hard, accelerate purchase of already selected systems and improve serviceability of existing systems.

Very close military and economic links between China and Pakistan is a cause of concern for India. Build up of India’s military strength has not kept pace with the increasing threat.

The IAF in 2015

The IAF’s top-of-the-line air superiority fighter is the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI. 272 are on order of which 230 have been delivered till date. The 66 MiG-29 aircraft in service are being upgraded jointly with Russia. The 57 Dassault Mirage 2000 aircraft are also under upgrade to Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 standards. The IAF also has 139 Jaguar and 85 MiG-27  dedicated strike aircraft and significant numbers in both these types are also being modernised. The oldest MiG-21 FLs were phased out in 2013. The IAF still has ten squadrons of MiG-21. Other than the Bison, all will be phased out by 2017. 125 upgraded MiG-21 Bison will be retained but will start depleting by 2017 till they are phased out by 2025. 40 of the LCA Tejas Mk I, meant to replace the MiG-21s, are under induction and the first squadron should be operational by late 2017.

The 104 Antonov An-32 medium transport aircraft, the work-horse of the IAF transport fleet, are being upgraded. The aircraft also have bombing and para-drop roles. The Dornier Do 228 is used for light transport duties. Also used for communications duties is the Hawker Siddeley HS 748, 50 of which remain in service and are to be replaced by the C-295. Starting 1984, 17 Ilyushin Il-76 strategic airlift aircraft (43-tonne payload) were inducted into the IAF. They are gradually being replaced by the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift aircraft with 75-tonne payload capacity.

The IAF has three Beriev A-50 platforms based EL/W-2090 Phalcon AEW&C. Two more are on order. The IAF has seven Ilyushin-78 aerial refuelling aircraft. Six Lockheed C-130J (one crashed later) for Special Operations including troop insertion have also been inducted into the IAF and are stationed at Hindon airbase near New Delhi. The IAF’s VIP Squadron operates the Boeing 737 BBJ and Embraer Legacy ECJ-135.

PC-7 Mk-II trainer aircraft

The Swiss Pilatus PC-7 Mk II is the basic stage trainer. 75 have been inducted and 38 more will be acquired. HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk I and II are the intermediate stage trainers. The Kiran is to be one day replaced by HAL’s HJT-36 ‘Sitara’ which is still under development and facing serious design issues. The BAE Hawk Mk 132 is the Advanced Jet Trainer. Later, the IAF’s formation aerobatic team will also convert to the Hawk. 106 Hawk trainers were initially ordered and additional orders are being processed.

Well beyond their extended-life, S-125 Pechora and OSA-AK SA-8 Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) are finally being phased out…

For years, HAL-built light utility helicopters Chetak and Cheetah have been used for training, rescue and light transport role. Cheetah and its re-engine variant Cheetal, are used for high altitude operations. These aircraft are being initially replaced by HAL’s Dhruv Helicopter. In addition to the light utility role, the Dhruv also has a weaponised version. The Dhruv is also used for the ‘Sarang’ helicopter formation display team.

Mil Mi-8 has been the main medium lift helicopter of the IAF. Later, these were replaced by more modern variants Mi-17, Mi-17 1V, and Mi-17 V5. Mi-17 V5s numbers will go up to 139. The IAF also operates three heavy-lift Mil Mi-26 helicopters. Two squadrons of Mil Mi-25/35 attack helicopters operate in support of the Indian Army.

The IAF’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) fleet consists of IAI Searcher II and Heron. These are used for reconnaissance and surveillance. IAI’s Harpy is the anti-radar combat UAV and DRDO’s Lakshya is used for aerial targeting practice. Well beyond their extended-life, S-125 Pechora and OSA-AK SA-8 Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) are finally being phased out and replaced by indigenous Akash medium-range systems. Two out of the eight have already been delivered.

C-130J Super Hercules

With the secure encrypted Air Force Network (AFNET) becoming operational in 2010, communications and data transfer for the air defence network has been greatly enhanced. The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) rides on the AFNET. Designed for intrusion prevention, it is a great force multiplier. Currently, the IAF has a Special Operations force called the Garuds consisting of 1,500 personnel drawn from different branches. With Special Operations aircraft such as the C-130, the Garud force will go up to around 5,000 to undertake combat search and rescue, Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD), radar busting, missile and munitions guidance and other missions.

The IAF requires 14 LCA Squadrons with 294 aircraft to replace the MiG-21s…

Modernisation – Work in Progress

The upgrade of the MiG-29 air superiority aircraft into multi-role MiG-29 UPG will increase internal and external fuel carriage, aerial refuelling probe, latest avionics including Zhuk-M radar and new air-to-air missiles. The air superiority fighter Su-30 MKI is being upgraded to have strategic weapons such as the BrahMos cruise missiles and nuclear-capable Nirbhay missiles. Initially, 40 aircraft will be modernised and will include Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, more powerful onboard computers and a new Electronic Warfare (EW) suite. The first upgraded aircraft is expected by the end of this year.

The Mirage-2000 aircraft are being stripped down and rewired and upgrade will include the RDY-2 radar, new mission computers, a glass cockpit, helmet-mounted sight, EW systems and the advanced MICA missiles. Aircraft life is also being extended by 20 years. Upgraded Jaguars are getting the multi-mode radar, an autopilot and more powerful Honeywell F125IN engines.

As on date, the IAF has ordered 40 LCA Mk I aircraft. The Mk I does not meet the IAF’s Final Operational Clearance (FOC) specifications. The IAF has also committed for 83 Tejas Mk II with the more powerful 98 kN thrust F414 engine, which is more likely to meet the LCA FOC albeit not earlier than 2022. Finally, the IAF requires 14 LCA Squadrons with 294 aircraft (including two-seaters) to replace the MiG-21s. Six LCA Mk I and four Mk II squadrons are expected by 2025. The DRDO also has plans to develop indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar ‘Uttam’ and a development partner is under selection.

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Europe’s Airbus Defence and Space and Israel’s Elta are contenders. The Tejas is also to be equipped with an Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) sensor pods, FLIR targeting pod, ECM pods, flare and chaff pod and EO/IR sensor pod. The Electronic Warfare (EW) suite ‘Mayavi’ is to be developed by the Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE). In view of the delays, unspecified numbers of EW suites have been purchased from Israel’s Elisra. A stealthier LCA Mk III is also planned for the future.

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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

Air Marshal Anil Chopra

Commanded a Mirage Squadron, two operational air bases and the IAF’s Flight Test Centre ASTE

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32 thoughts on “Indian Air Force: 2025

  1. Mirage 2000 is a good fighter plane and was very useful in the Kargil war. At that time there was an offer for India from France to manufacture Mirage 2000 under license in HAL but the NDA government ignore this offer. We purchased Jaguar, assemble it in HAL, having a limited role in the war. 150 to 200 Mirage 2000 could fill our replacement against Mig-21 and Mig-27.

  2. I think author is not aware about many deals and programs
    1) not a single word on single engine fighter competition, which is between gripen and f-16.
    2) fgfa deal is uncertain and many other authors stated that IAF isn’t interested in the bird.
    3) mta program, indo- Russian jv has cancelled by government of India on engine issues.
    4) mrtt tender will be reissue by current government, a-330 has selected but cancelled on price issues.
    5) s-400 is also not discussed in the article.
    This article has not many current infos.

  3. Sir,

    That number of 42 squadron strength for IAF was set in 1995. At that time the planes were not as capable they were today or in next five years. Today’s fighter are twice as capable as they were twenty years back, hence my question to you is that – why does IAF need 42 squadrons.

    All the airforces of the world are less squadrons today than before and the logic is same I.e. That fighters today are a lot more capable.

    Look into that angle and as a retired Airforce senior officer just do not become a critic because that is the name if the game today. Just become an honest analyst.

    • Well, you have a point. But what about the enemy- aren’t their air force better capable to intercept and neutralize IAF in the battle field today? So inevitably, IAF will have to absorb lol of attrition in the event it flares up on the Himalayan border. And without a viable domestic manufacturing base for military aircraft, it will be prudent to have as many more units in the stock as possible. Also, in the event of supply of spare parts from overseas sources dries up in an emergency, for the present stock it will be better to have more since one can always cobble from the surplus ones.

  4. Could you please factor in the f16 fighters as well as dorne’s being bought from US.

    Also some overall advancement in the technology of fighter upgrades in a graphic for 2025-2030 period.

    Twitter: @remellasuman

  5. Yes of course. We are much better of today to take-on China. They are certainly much better of militarily and economically but India too is a force to recon with. PLAAF:IAF edge is not too significant (Yet)

  6. The author needs to be given respect for his views considering the fact that he has served for several years in the IAF. People like Mr. Govindan should not be even allowed to comment, irrespective of the merits, if any, in their comments. There are quite a few observations which needs to be made: (And it is not being made for the first time by me). India lacks foresight when it comes to strategic planning; our government may talk big and make grandiose plans. Ultimately very little gets achieved. Secondly, India has become overly Pak-centric in their approach. With the rapidly changing environment in the neighbourhood, India will have to face twin threats from Pak as well as China and that too all across its northern, western and north-eastern frontiers. Thirdly, India needs to invest in R&D in money terms and in terms of human resources to take the first steps to become self-reliant in defence. India is lackadaisical in procurement of its defence needs from abroad; the delay in procuring the aircraft carrier is a case in point. Fourthly, the RM needs to understand that the IAF has a fast ageing fleet which needs to be replaced and enhanced both quantitatively and qualitatively. IAF cannot be expected to go shopping for aircraft after a war has commenced. Looking to the threat in view of the CPEC, we may have to aim for 56 squadrons.

    • I have not discussed war strategy in my comment. I discussed a larger geopolitical issue, in case you have not understood my comment. Please do not assume that those who write and comment are ignorant and that you are the only wise man among the readers on this forum. Your comments are garbled and gibberish. I do not want to state any further about your comments or personalised attacks on our senior officers. And if you know war strategy express your thoughts in the form of a column or article and get it reviewed instead of indulging in the nonsense that you have done.

      • You do not know what are you writing?. You only wrote the issue of CPEC and suggested 56 Squadrons. That means you want 56 squadrons. Where did you get the figure of 56 number? So the English words used against me and the suggestion are applicable to you and not to me. There are many people like you in the defence who have no control over expenditure and procure unwanted defence equipment. This is one of the reasons this country remains poor even after 70 years of Independence Navy wants Aircraft carriers and IAF wants AWACS. The result is Army is suffering.

        • I have to agree with you @Govindan,
          First keep in mind we’re poor country.

          Few Q’s
          1) Why IAF still using 3-4 decades old Aircraft, so we keep edge over PAF in numbers, its complete waste of time & resources (fuel + maintanance), I mean we’re not gonna use MiG’s or Jaguar in futureWars, Instead train our future Pilots with modern 4G++ / 5G aircrafts.

          2) We don’t need 40-50 squarden, max 35 sqaurdens will do fine, with futuristic aircrafts loaded with advanced technologies & weapons.

          3) All we should focus on 5G aircrafts with 10 squadens.

          4) WE MUST SELL OR DUMP THOSE #MIGS #JAGUARS #MIRAGES, they are like squaden of sheeps only even 2-3 F22Raptor (5G) could beat whole squarden easily.

          5) NOW F16 deal is the biggest MISTAKE for us, our defence ministry is lul, we can’t even question them, PAF using F16 since 80s , they have 4 decades of experience, why the hell we’re producing 100 of F16S for IAF.

  7. IAF will never get 42 squadrons. Why are you thinking about the equipment developed when there is no rockets and missiles. You will still think about 20th-century war equipment. Why should India invest money on fighter plane if the cost of maintaining fighter plane is 10 times more than missiles. Su-30 Mki costs 50 to 55 million dollars. Agni-II missiles cost 5 .4 million dollars. It can be manufactured in thousands. No extra fuel cost. No runway required. It can be kept safely in Silos. India has got 36 types of missiles. India can produce 5000 Pinaka missiles per year. The majority of Pakistan and PAF installations are within 300 Km range. So why should the Govt increase the number of fighter planes? You may tell about stealth fighter planes. China is claiming that they have developed a radar which can detect the movement of stealth planes. The USA has developed miniature missile. No radar will be able to detect the miniature missile. The 21st century is the age of missile. Russia developed hypersonic missiles. You people do not know what is management. You fought the 1971 war with 34 squadrons. Out of 34 squadrons, 20 used in the west and 14 in the east. Now there is no East Pakistan. IAF conducted 4000 sorties in the West. and able to achieve Air Superiority. In 1971 there was no helicopter. Now Army will be getting Helicopters, Then the fighter plane sorties will come down. Mig 21 plane has already been replaced by 272 SU-30 Mki. So do not try to fool the public and the Govt any more.

    • Firstly all the major powers of the world, USA, Russia and China have 5th and 6th Generation fighter aircraft under development. So fighter aircraft are very much in. You are obviously sounding Pakistan centric which is history now.
      Need to focus on China. Missiles will compliment the aircraft fleet undoubtedly and separate investments are planned for that. having a view doesn’t mean fooling the public. Kindly show grace in your comments.

      • Where did you get the figure of 42 Squadrons? Can you justify the number? It is only an imaginary number not based on any studies. If you cannot justify the number you are fooling the public. China is claiming that they have developed radar to detect movement of stealth planes. So what is the use of developing the fifth generation fighter planes? So why do you want to follow major powers? The majority of western powers are reduced there inventory. They maintain a maximum three types of the fighter plane. But you want to increase the inventory. IAF service availability has come down to 55 %. Nobody can supply spares if a company keeps five or six types of fighter planes. The first duty of a manager is inventory control. In IAF nobody does this. They are only worried about squadrons. Within ten tears Army will ask iAF help only to escort planes carrying soldiers and war equipment to the battlefield like fighter planes were protecting bombers. The 21st century is the age of missiles. You have not answered my questions. Why are you asking replacement of Mig 21? You have already got 272 SU-30 Mki. Why don’t give a correct figure? You require Tejas to replace Mig 27, and not Mig 21. Anyway, this Govt is not worried about even the number of squadrons goes below 24.

  8. India is still stuck in 1921 The Indian Constitution that was plagiarized by Nehru G and Ambedkar G from the Government of India Act (1935) (A House of Lords Confection) modified for the “Constituent Assembly” by Sir Maurice Gwyer, the then Chief Justice of Delhi, by adding notions such as “All animals are equal but some are more equal than others”, and “Four legs good, two legs bad” borrowed from George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and the laws that have flowed therefrom to condemn India to a perpetual State of Civil War is sufficient evidence of this
    .
    A nation locked in the iron maiden of the British Judiciary, Bureaucracy, Police and raised on the gibbet of the Reservations-Extortion Constitution and laws.

    India is too busy at war with itself to plunder from the many for the benefit of some to look over its shoulders. It is now some seventy years too late to really do so.

  9. Air Marshal a couple of questions
    1. 42 Squadrons was the requirement when the Chinese Airforce hardly existed. Can you manage both China and Pakistan with 42 – it’s a highly flawed figure – don’t you think we should be talking about 60 squadrons at least.
    2. The DRDO also has plans to develop indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar ‘Uttam’ and a development partner is under selection. By the time this happens the cows and cocks would have roosted long back.
    3. The C-17 assembly line is closed – why have we bought a dead horse?
    4. The air force fixation of having attack helicopters hasn’t gone – leave it to the army – what’s the deal there. You all don’t own everything that flies in the air. Look at the National interest before parochial interests.
    5. The Avro and the An -32 should be replaced by the same kind of aircraft. An-32 was unfit for Para trooping but it was the Airforce recommendation which weighed more that the Army’s requirement. Again the Airforce shouldn’t play one up games – keep the national interest at large. I am a Paratrooper and can give you many reasons why the aircraft is unsuitable.
    6. Tejas is like the INSAS of the army – why are you all standing by it – its outdated technology by 20 years. Stand up and say no to it.
    7. Your inventory for 2025 lowers my morale – you didn’t bring out a comparison of what the Chinese will be in 2025. Why do you hesitate to bring out the realities?
    Regards.

    • Very valid points you have highlighted Col saab. The C-17 assembly line has been closed because all the planes on order have been built and delivered. There is no point in keeping the assembly open when there are no new orders. This doesn’t mean the planes in service will be left high and dry. They will be fully supported by the manufacturer with spares and other needs till the end of their life cycle. So, no worries.

    • This is another proof the Army officers are very weak in management. particularly old people. They cannot think beyond the 20th century and Second world war. They think about field gun, Tanks, Fighter Planes, warships and submarines. It is unsafe to use field guns on the battlefield if the enemy has got Weapon locating radar. (WLR). Similarly, it is very difficult to escape any armoured regiment from missile attacks. This we have seen in Longewala battle. IAF destroyed many Pakistani tanks. using missiles. The 21st century is the age of missiles, radars and connected avionics. No fighter planes, helicopters, warships will be able to escape multiple missiles attacks. But you want more than 42 squadrons. Fighter plane will be required only to escort planes used for carrying troops and weapons. in the future. Otherwise no use in the future wars. So the inventory will come down. Do you know how many types of missiles and rockets India has got? So your knowledge is limited to AN-32 and parachutes. Can you tell me how many soldiers lost the life using INSAS rifles? Do you know the reason for the failure of INSAS? You know only to blame others. The mindset of the defense officers. should change then only this country will progress.

      • Once again, with due respect. You have right to your views but don’t generalize and say “Army officers are very weak in management. particularly old people. They cannot think beyond the 20th century and Second world war”.

    • Yes I think 50 should be good, and affordable. But it will take 20 years to reach 42 itself. Yes DRDO is developing AESA. Past record is not good. We already have an interim AESA from Israel. Just wait and watch. I disagree on C-17. Yes assembly has stopped. we bought the last one. Many operators. Spares won’t be a problem. Commonality with some other Boeings. Yes Armies and Navies want to have more and more air power. This tussle is old and will go on. Led the Leadership of the day take these calls. In any case Indian Army will soon have more helicopters than Air Force. An-32 and Avro replacements can’t be and will not be same. Different requirements. Your comments are too Army centric. I thought jointmenship is the essence. We have all been talking all this while. Yes Tejas has problems. In fact we have been very critical on some issues and even I have written articles. Yet we have to promote some India based Weapon platforms. You and I are retired, yet genuinely concerned. Trust the very capable current leadership is taking appropriate calls. regards

      • Air Marshal Chopra retirement doesnt mean we close our books, after all its the years of experience we carry on our shoulders. I am not being Army centric, the methodology of waging war has changed over the last decade. Our own focus has finally shifted off from the Pakistanis and thank God for that. We have to factor on China and Pakistan gets taken care of. When I talk of the Army’s requirement I look at how operations will be carried out in the Northern Theatre of Operations. We have a 4000+ km frontier with the Chinese and if we just look at how the Chinese are preparing for war in that theater we will get the answer. The Close Air Support or Offensive Air Support will be a major requirement of the Army from the word go. Interdiction of logistics will be another major task for the Air force, for logistics is a battle winning factor in that theater. So thats how we should look at our requirements. And obviously jointmanship has to be the order of the day. Regards.

  10. Hahah Indian Air Force: 2025, The way our soldiers being beheaded by pakistan i think we will be destroyed in 2017. Please understand that Pakistan has knocked us out and war has started.

    Pakistan deliberately started this war before india gets S-400 & Rafale fighter jets

  11. Today again 3 Indian were killed by Pakistan. Gandhi said if Pakistan slaps at your lift cheek then offer your other right so but Gandhi did not say that if Pakistan has been engaged in a rough anal sex with India and India should keep crying. India must remember 1947,1965, 1971 and 1999 every time India thrashed Pakistan but now why India is not coming to war.

    Afghanistan ready for your help

  12. Air Marshall, you also harping on 42 squadron strength, knowing fully well that 42 squadron strength was established in 1992. Aircrafts and fighters of today are far more capable than that of 1992 era. There is absolutely no need to reach the numbers as stated by you, if your aircraft collection is much more capable. All the airforces of the world have reduced the numbers as more capable aircrafts are in their possession. India is on way to introduce more capable aircrafts after 20 years delay.

    The only argument which holds good is that if there is a two front war, simultaneously then the 42 squadron number is not enough. Instead you need allies. That is why LEOMA has been signed. A lot more such agreements will be signed. The whole idea to keep one or the other enemy at bay to come cuncurrently at India.

  13. THE SQUADRON STRENGTH CAN EASILY BE RAISED FROM 38 TO 42 BY 2025 BY INDUCTING TWO +TWO OF LCA MK-1A/P AND MK-2. BY 2027 TARGET MUST BE 45 SQUADRONS AND 2030 50 SQUNS , THE IAF OF 2035 MUST BE A 60 SQUN FORCE OF A 15 TRILLION DOLLAR ECONOMY , WITH GLOBAL REACH AND AREA OF OPERATIONS . 60 % OF THE 60 SQUNS 35TO36 HAVE TO BE SINGLE ENGINE LCA MK-IA/P LCA-MK2, 3, , 10 AMCA , 4 RAFAEL AND 10 FGFA T-50.THE AIR WARRIORS OF PAST AND FUTURE WILL PLAN AND FULFILL THE NATIONS 1.4 BILLION DREAMS WITH BULK OF THE MONEY SPENT ON WEAPONS ENGINES AND AERO COMPONENTS DESIGNED BUILT MANUFACTURED TESTED BY INDIANS IN INDIAN FACTORIES PUBLIC AND PRIVATE , CREATING MILLIONS OF HIGH TECH JOBS

  14. Complain less, spend money allocated wisely.

    Get out of that feeling that Government should do this and Government should that. IAF is getting fair share of the defence money. Be happy with it.

    Key negative example of IAF stupidity in stalling LCA is the IAF top brass, who got over excited with highly pricey Rafale. LCA in Indian skies will do much better than what airforce is giving credit to it.

    Last of all ask yourself – who are we fighting. Is it United States Airforce or not so well armed Pakistan or poorly equipped with copies the Chinese Air Force over the 300 miles mountain chain? Chinese have disadvantage from the very start, their fighters are inferior (forget their claims) and they cannot take off with full load and a tank full from Tibetan plateau.

    What are you arguing Air Marshal?

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