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Indigenous platforms have grown in capability, but timely deliveries are vital for the armed forces argues

- ATUL CHANDRA

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is now wholly dependent on indigenously designed and developed platforms that will meet its future combat air needs. The Tejas Mk-1A and LCA Mk-2 are planned replacements for the IAF's MiG-21, MiG-27 and MiG-29, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar fleets respectively. Cumulatively, it is expected that the air force will acquire over 300 Tejas Mk-1A and LCA Mk-2 fighter jets. The futuristic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is planned to initially augment and later replace the IAF's large fleet of 270 Sukhoi SU-30 MKIs. The IAF continues to pursue the option of importing an advanced foreign fighter type as part of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) for 114 aircraft. However, not much progress has been made since the Request for Information (RFI) was first issued in April 2019. The cost of acquisition would also have spiralled upwards since then and global supply aerospace and defence supply chain issues could also hinder the speedy creation of a local licensed-assembly facility.

With deliveries of the Tejas Mk-1A now delayed the IAF’s fighter squadron strength will deplete to 29 squadrons this year, with the phasing out of the last two MiG-21 ‘Bison’ squadrons. The IAF at present has two operational Rafale squadrons, but these 36 are a far cry from the 126 aircraft that the service originally envisaged nearly two decades ago. The delay in the induction of Tejas light combat aircraft has also left the IAF without a timely replacement for its 12 squadrons MiG-21s (2025 end of service) and MiG-27s (2019 end of service). A total of eight Tejas squadrons were to have originally entered service between 2012 and 2022. The IAF had placed orders for 20 Tejas aircraft in 2006 and 2009 respectively for a total of 40 aircraft, out of which only 36 have been delivered to date.

Tejas Mk-1A