IAF Unveils Ambitious Roadmap for Accelerated Capability Enhancement Amidst Global Competition
IAF’s Roadmap for Enhanced Capabilities
NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for “all-round accelerated capability enhancement” to address existing operational gaps. This initiative, led by a high-powered committee, aims for a time-bound enhancement with increased involvement from the private sector, complementing the efforts of DRDO and defence PSUs.
Key Thrust Areas
The report identifies critical areas of focus, including:
- Increasing the number of fighter squadrons, currently down to 30 from a sanctioned strength of 42.5.
- Induction of additional “force-enablers” such as airborne early-warning and control aircraft, mid-air refuellers, and a broad spectrum of air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh presented the report to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, emphasizing the urgent need for India to enhance its aerial capabilities, especially in light of advancements by rival nations like China.
Collaborative Production Plans
The report outlines a “glide path” for increasing fighter squadrons, proposing a partnership between a foreign OEM and an Indian entity to establish a local production line. This includes the ongoing project to manufacture 114 new 4.5-generation fighters, estimated at Rs 1.2 lakh crore.
It also stresses the importance of boosting ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in the aerospace sector, with the private sector playing a crucial role alongside defence PSUs and DRDO.
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