Air Chief Marshal FH Major: IAF to be a transformed force in a decade

New Delhi: Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal, Fali H Major said Friday that with significant changes taking place in the country''s security environment, the IAF was reorienting itself to the country''s expanding strategic boundaries. The IAF, which has entered the 75th year of operations in 2007, wants to expand its ''reach'' in future up to the South China Sea to secure the country''s energy needs, said ACM Major.

The IAF is seeking equipment that would help the force to operate away from home bases, for different purposes such as disaster relief operations and securing the country''s energy needs. ACM Major said that the endeavour accordingly was to acquire long-reach aircraft, persistence, all-weather precision, networked and space-enabled capabilities.

On the much discussed issue of depleting force levels, the ACM said that though it was a matter of concern, the situation for the air force ought to change in another five to 10 years. "Everybody is concerned [] but not worried. If it had not been revived, we would have been worried. Induction takes time, as we are not buying off-the-shelf. Every air force has gone through this process," ACM Major said with reference to the falling squadron strength.

"At the same time we have home-grown tactics and doctrine, which still makes the IAF a credible fighting arm. We hope once all inductions and upgrades fructify, you will see a different air force in the next five to 10 years," he said at a news conference.

The IAF is currently operating with 32 squadrons, against an "authorised" strength of 39 squadrons, and an "ideal" force level of 45 squadrons.

However, with the gradual induction of more Sukhois, as a total of 230 of these aircraft have been contracted for, the planned induction of 126 medium range multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) and a gradual phasing in of the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA), force levels are expected to creep back to the sanctioned level of 39 squadrons.

Along with a sophisticated fleet of fighter aircraft, the IAF is all set to induct force multipliers, such as the ''eye-in-the-sky'' AWACS, a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles and air-to-air refuellers. It is also taking care to undertake a comprehensive upgrade of its air defence system.

The IAF has already completed the upgrade of its long serving Jaguar and MiG-27 fighter fleets and was now in the process of upgrading its MiG-29 and Mirage-2000 fighters, which so far have been its mainstay. It will increase the numbers as well as the variety of its transport and helicopter fleets as well.

"I admit there are technology gaps as compared to more sophisticated air forces but we are in the process of filling them up by indigenous research and development and inductions from foreign vendors. The IAF believes that indigenisation of the key weapons systems is an absolute must, as others will never ever give [such as stealth and electronic warfare technology] to us. It is a slow process but we will achieve what we want," ACM Major said.

For the future, India was in negotiations for the joint development of fifth generation fighters and multi role transport aircraft with Russia. "The air staff requirements for the fifth generation fighters have been made. It will take five years for development and it will be 8-10 years before the first fighter takes to the skies."

As for the recently announced aerospace command, the ACM conceded that it would take time. "Having sensors in the sky gives a lot of strength. We have a lot to learn. We are talking to the Army and Navy for joint use of the command. It is going to take time. The scope for putting weapons in space is as wide as space. For the moment we are not thinking on those lines."