Air Commodore Trilok Chand (retd)

Recent reports indicate that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to get 18 squadrons (Sqn) i.e. 324 Tejas aircraft in varying configurations (Tejas Mk I, Tejas Mk IA, Tejas Mk II) in the years to come. Timeframe for this acquisition has not been specified. It seems nearly certain that the debate about the acquisition of the single-engine fighter aircraft under the Strategic Partnership model fuelled by the Request for Information (RFI) for this purpose and reported likely joint ventures of Tata-Lockheed Martin and Adani-Saab has been settled in favour of the Tejas Mk II aircraft. With the induction of the 15 Sqn i.e. 272 Su30 MKI twin engine heavy fighter aircraft, the IAF will reach 33 Sqn strength of these new aircraft. With induction of two Sqn of Rafale aircraft the strength will go up to 35 Sqn. The replacement of remaining seven Sqn, comprising of Jaguars, MiG 29 and Mirage 2000 aircraft would necessarily be of twin-engine medium class fighter aircraft. The debate, therefore, is likely to shift towards long-term approach for acquisition of this class of the aircraft. India’s Perspective Multi-Role Fighter (PMF) in joint development with Russia and development of its own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are likely to come into focus now. The fast dwindling strength of the fighter aircraft and equally fast emerging collusive and collaborative threat from China and Pakistan need deeper analysis and assessment of the likely force structure of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the years to come.

LCA Tejas at Leh

The IAF has already committed to induct 123 Tejas aircraft in Mk 1A configuration. It has reportedly agreed to induct 201 Tejas Mark II aircraft which will be fitted with much better avionics including radars, enhanced fuel and weapons carrying