Shot in the Arm || November 2018

Rohan Ramesh

Bengaluru: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is struggling with the challenge of depleting squadrons. Now, that is not a new problem and the only short-term solution, the acquisition of Dassault Rafales from France, has run into a plethora of political problems. Though the immediate answer could be more purchase of the So-30MKI Flanker Multirole aircraft (a plane which HAL domestically produces under licence), the IAF just does not seem to be interested.

An AMCA and LCA Tejas model on display at the DRDO stand during DefExpo 2018

With the new request for information (RFI) for 110 fighters issued just before DefExpo this year, it could take years for the new fighters to be chosen, not to mention the time incurred to manufacture and deliver the aircraft, even if a deal is agreed soonest.

While the LCA Tejas programme has been affected by perpetual delays caused by confusion over the final design, there seems to be no respite in sight for the IAF as its squadron levels hover at dangerously low numbers.

While 36 Rafale multirole fighters have been bought in the interim and will start arriving soon