IAF MODERNISATION ROADMAP

IAF’s pursuit of Air Space Supremacy amid a surfeit of challenges

- MANISH KUMAR JHA

THE IAF HAS, OVER THE YEARS, TRANSFORMED INTO A MODERN aerospace power that is capable of controlling and exploiting air and space environments to achieve India’s national and security objectives. Over the years, IAF’s projection of capability concepts has progressed on operational experiences of real conflict situations as well as exercises within the country and with friendly foreign air forces. Many lessons learnt from these experiences have found a place in the doctrinal space while some of the elements continue to be assimilated incomprehensive discourse based on the fast-progressing air and space areas--for the future.

The IAF’s firepower and air superiority stem from aerospace power’s capabilities in terms of reach, mobility, responsiveness, offensive lethality, and trans-domain operational flexibility in air to near space. The multi-role capabilities of platforms and weapon systems offer wide-ranging opportunities, capable of rapid role change which provide multiple options to the aerospace power practitioner.

IAF currently has 31 fighter squadrons and will be inducting 83 LCA Mk1A from 2024 onwards. LCA Mk1A is already flying. Development of LCA Mk2 and AMCA—albeit slowly—is moving towards a fifth generation capability with the locally manufactured jet engine –based on technology gains from GE F414 aero-engine and domestic R&D efforts. At the same time, the IAF is also pursuing the older MMRCA initiative which is now christened 114 MRFA (Multi Role Fighter Aircraft) to bridge the gap of depleting squadron strength. In fact, recently, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) has spoken about it firmly, giving some wings for MRFA to take off from the hanger, if not the ground.