TILL OUR MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX COMES OF AGE, WE MUST STRIVE FOR BALANCE BETWEEN ALLOWING INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGIES TO FRUCTIFY AND ACQUIRING WEAPON SYSTEMS FROM OUTSIDE
The uproar during the ongoing Rafale procurement process has been a unique experience. Never in the past has such a row been created over the acquisition of any weapon system. Even the air force has been roped in this duel with the chief of air staff being called a liar.
At present, the Indian Air Force is facing monumental challenges. Its combat aircraft inventory is depleting without much hope for recovery in the near future. It is struggling to tide over the problem of diminishing numbers. Its interest lies in acquiring a proven combat aircraft of Rafale genre that will see the air force through the coming decades.
After extensive trials along with American, Russian and Swedish aircraft, Rafale came out as a clear winner. It’s a multi-role fighter that has been operationally tested in war theatres of Afghanistan and the Middle East. Unfortunately, despite its acknowledged superiority as a modern combat aircraft, the deal for 126 Rafale fell through for devious reasons.
UPGRADE TO DETER
Not too long ago, the IAF was three times the size of the Pakistan air force and technologically far superior to the hordes of Chinese aircraft. At present, it is in a state of turmoil with dwindling inventory and an uncertain future. Today, it is down to 31 combat squadrons against the authorised strength of 42. Doubts are being raised in certain quarters if the IAF as of now is in a position to provide the requisite level of deterrence.
Inadequate indigenous production capabilities and incessant bickering among the political leaders has adversely impacted the combat potential of the air force. The chief of air staff is on record saying that the number of squadrons will still remain the same as today i.e. 31, even after the induction of Rafale and indigenous light combat aircraft (LCAs) in coming years.
In a bid to arrest further erosion in its fighter strength, the IAF has resorted to large-scale upgrade of existing aircraft such as SU-30 MKI, Mirage2000 and Jaguar. Addition of Rafale and the LCAs with delivery schedule of 2022 and the upgraded aircraft together may help arrest further decline in strength and stabilise the air force for the time being. But there is an element of uncertainty here. Known for limited capabilities and chronic delays, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is unlikely to contribute significantly towards making good the deficiencies in near future. Contracts signed in 2006 and 2010 for delivery in 2011 and 2016 are running way behind schedule. So far, the HAL has delivered only nine LCAs to the air force.
There are strong indications about the LCA project being shifted from HAL and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to the Indian Air Force. Perhaps, this is to overcome the blame game being played for perpetual delays by the stakeholders.
CHECK THE TAILSPIN
At present, the IAF inventory largely comprises third and fourth generation aircraft. If it has to keep pace with others, it urgently needs fourth generation plus aircraft. Our adversaries are gradually overtaking us both in terms of quality and quantity. The Chinese have a huge mix of aircraft inventory, of which 900 are modern combat aircraft. They are also focused on the development of fifth generation aircraft and intend to induct these into service at the earliest. Since Pakistan is largely dependent on the Chinese military wherewithal, they may too end up getting the latest generation fighters.
China’s defence budget is an eye-opener. At $175 bn (2018), it is nearly four times that of India’s at $ 45 bn. Even against Pakistan, our edge is no more the same as hitherto. The slide in our regional status has reached a worrisome stage.
The concept of deterrence is unfortunately not quite understood at the highest political level. The need of the hour is to have another six to eight fighter squadrons as soon as possible. Till our military industrial complex comes of age, we must strive for balance between allowing indigenous technologies to fructify and acquiring weapon systems from outside so as to be ready for any eventuality at all times.