LCA MKIA DELAYED, MRFA ON SLOW MODE - IMPLICATIONS FOR IAF

The IAF is currently operating at around 30 squadrons, well below the authorised strength of 42 squadrons, and defence analysts recommend 50 squadrons to handle a two-front conflict

- AIR MARSHAL ANIL CHOPRA (RETD)

LCA 'TEJAS' MKIA DELIVERIES TO THE INDIAN AIR FORCE (IAF) were to begin in March 2024. The strategic community got a jolt when they were told that there were delays because of issues related to supplies of the GE F404-IN20 engines from US-based GE Aerospace. That the aircraft will now be handed over in August. Later the date of delivery was changed to November.

IAF that is already at an all-time low of nearly 30 squadrons was facing the prospect of going below that already low figure. The security establishment and defence hierarchy was reportedly seized of the situation, and acting to retrieve the situation and prevent further delays. During his visit to the US, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had reportedly flagged the issue.

Not just engines, Tejas Mk1A delivery could be hit over key Danish part, the engine charge amplifiers, now on export blacklist. Denmark authorities have reportedly put export restrictions on this item, which is likely to be due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. India is in talks with Denmark. It was a small product which was being imported. Because of this export blacklisting, HAL had contracted a Bengaluru firm to indigenise it. The firm, we are told, has almost completed it, and then HAL will carry out tests. It can then be mass-produced.

AERIAL THREAT PERCEPTION

China is pulling ahead. They are directly competing with USA. In March this year, in a testimony on Capitol Hill, the head of US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) Navy Admiral John C. Aquilino said that China would “soon have the world’s largest air force”. In its 2023 report on Chinese military power, the Pentagon noted that the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) and PLAN combined have over 3,150 operational aircraft other than trainers and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).