Eyes on the Future

Mohammad Asif Khan

In its centenary decade, the Indian Air Force (IAF), as outlined by Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, envisions itself as an ‘agile and adaptable’ air force, providing decisive aerospace power in furtherance of national interests.

Indian LCA TEJAS at IAF Day parade in Prayagraj

By 2032, when the IAF completes 100 years, it aims to be one of the best air forces globally. The doctrine emphasises the critical role of skilled personnel behind the machines.

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary’s vision for the Indian Air Force in 2024 focuses on modernisation, operational effectiveness and adaptability to evolving security challenges. The IAF aims to reduce dependency on imports by developing indigenous capabilities. Evolving technology and changing requirements drive the need for skilled air personnel.

The vision prioritises reforms across various areas, including equipment modernisation, streamlined training processes and promotion of jointness with other military branches.

Additionally, efforts are directed towards enhancing human resource management and gender representation within the Air Force. The overarching goal is to maintain a decisive edge in national security through agility and innovation.

Modernisation Efforts

The IAF is currently undergoing a comprehensive modernisation programme aimed at replacing and upgrading outdated equipment to meet contemporary standards. One of the key objectives of this initiative is to achieve a squadron strength of 42 by the year 2035. Typically comprising 12 to 24 military aircraft, a squadron plays a crucial role in operational readiness and effectiveness.

In terms of the deployment strategy, the IAF plans to position approximately 450 fighter jets along the borders with Pakistan and China. Among the aircraft slated for induction into the Air Force are 36 Rafales, 114 Multirole Fighter Aircraft, 100 Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and over 200 variants of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

The modernisation efforts encompass a thorough review of organisational structure, training methodologies and equipment enhancement. Key areas of focus include bolstering sustainment and logistics capabilities, advancing IT infrastructure and revamping business systems. Detailed roadmaps have been developed to guide the incremental functionality development of various platforms.

Deployment of New Aircraft

India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has sanctioned the procurement of 97 Tejas light combat aircraft. Equipped with updated avionics, an active electronically steered radar, an enhanced electronic warfare suite and beyond-visual-range missile capability, the Tejas Mk-1A is expected to significantly enhance the IAF’s combat capabilities. Moreover, existing Tejas LCA squadrons have been deployed on temporary assignments to forward air bases along the Western and Northern Borders.

The rollout of the first Limited Series Production (LSP) aircraft of the Mark.1A variant occurred in April 2022. It is anticipated that IAF will commence the formation of the TEJAS MK-1A squadron in 2024.

Efforts are underway to procure an additional 97 Tejas MK-1As, part of a broader initiative to replace the ageing fleet of Mikoyan MiG-21 aircraft. The strategic deployment plan includes the establishment of two squadrons at Ambala and Hashimara, focusing on operations against Pakistan in the Western Front and China in the Eastern Sector. Notably, the Rafale jets have been fully integrated into operational service, having been delivered to the Indian Air Force from France.

Furthermore, a squadron of upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets has been stationed at the Srinagar air base, replacing the MiG-21 squadron. The Tridents squadron, now dubbed the ‘Defender of the North,’ has been equipped with advanced weaponry, including very long-range air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground ordnance, following upgrades facilitated by the emergency procurement powers granted to the armed forces by the government.

Presently, only two MiG-21 Bison squadrons, namely No. 3 Squadron ‘Cobras’ and No. 23 Squadron ‘Panthers,’ remain in service. These squadrons are slated for phased retirement, with the entire fleet expected to be decommissioned by 2025.

Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) represents a significant leap in India’s aviation capabilities. Designed as a fifth-generation stealth, multi-role combat aircraft, it is intended for deployment by both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy (IN). Developed under the auspices of the Aeronautical Deve