Keeping pace with the demands of contemporary advancements, the Indian Air Force has been upgrading its combat aircraft fleet since the last few years to enhance its operational capability
The Indian Air Force, also known as the ‘Bhartiya Vayu Sena’, has made stellar contributions securing the Indian airspace and conducting aerial warfare during armed conflicts. The IAF not only safeguards the country’s territory and national interests from all threats but it also provides strategic and tactical airlift capabilities in the battlefield and support during natural calamities. Since its inception, IAF has made remarkable achievements.
This year, India celebrates its 88th Indian Air Force Day. The day is observed to build the familiarity with Indian aviation based armed forces in any association of the national security both authoritatively and freely.
The Indian Air Force today, having completed 88 years of dedicated service to the nation, is a modern, technology-intensive force distinguished by its commitment to excellence and professionalism. Keeping pace with the demands of contemporary advancements, the IAF continues to modernise in a phased manner. Today, it stands as a credible air power counted among the fore-most professional services in the world.
The primacy of Air Power will be a decisive factor in shaping the outcome of future conflicts. In line with this dictum, the IAF has developed into a major ‘Component of National Power’, which can be applied quickly and decisively. The IAF has reoriented itself to a multi-role capability of platforms and equipment, along with multi-skill capability of personnel. The rapid economic growth of the country dictates the need to protect our security interests extending from the Persian Gulf to the Straits of Malacca.
Over the years, the IAF has grown from a tactical force to one with transoceanic reach. The strategic reach emerges from induction of Force Multipliers like Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA), Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and credible strategic lift capabilities. There is emphasis on acquiring best of technology through acquisitions or upgradation, be it aircraft, systems, precision missiles or net centricity.
IAF has started upgrading its combat aircraft fleet since the last few years in order to enhance its operational capability and maintain its aircraft as modern weapon platforms, capable of meeting the present challenges posed by the security scenario in our region. Of the available fleet, MiG-21, MiG-27 and Jaguar aircraft have already been upgraded and Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 aircraft are planned for upgradation. The Indian Air Force is considering upgrade of its medium lift helicopters comprising Mi-8, Mi-17 and Mi-17-IVs, as also the AN-32 transport aircraft, with the aim of improving their overall capability.
The IAF today is in the process of a most comprehensive modernisation plan. Over the next few years, the force would induct more Su-30 MKI aircraft, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA). There are plans to augment the helicopter and transport fleets too. The IAF is also in the process of acquiring radars in various categories to meet the Air Defence requirements, accurate and advanced weapons, Network Centric Warfare systems, etc, to meet its assigned tasks.
