In an effort to counter any threat from Pakistan and China, the IAF plans to have 13-and-half squadrons (one squadron has 18-20 aircraft) of frontline SU-30 fighter jets by the end of 2017 all over the country.
The induction of full complement of 280 SU-30s will provide the IAF strategic reach to meet any challenge within the country and the entire neighbourhood.
The long range SU-30s can target any threat deep inside China besides Pakistan and the IAF now has eight squadrons based in Halwara and Sirsa in the north, Jhabua and Tezpur in the east and the recently operationalised airbase in Thanjavur in the south. While two squadrons each are in Halwara and Sirsa, one squadron each are operating from the other bases. Moreover, one more squadron will start operating from Sirsa in the next few months.
Giving these details, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne said on the eve of the 81 anniversary of the IAF on October 8, the Government has sanctioned 13-and-half squadrons of SU-30s and the Service hopes to make them functional by the end of the 12th plan in 2017.
While the Hindustan Aeronautics limited (HAl) is manufacturing these frontline jets in India after signing a transfer of technology pact with Russia which is original manufacturer for the past few years, the Government recently gave the nod for buying 40 more SU-30 jets off the shelf from Russia.
This will enable the IAF to stick its timeline of having 13 and half squadrons by 2017. These aircraft give India an edge over Pakistan and China in terms of air power and the IAF wants to maintain this superiority. However, “the days of air supremacy are over when the countries which pose threat, also have same capabilities,” Browne said, adding “the IAF is capable of dominating the skies” and deny its adversary the reach to hit India’s land or naval forces.
As regard overall squadron strength, Browne admitted, “the present level is much below” than the authorised strength of 42 squadrons. The Mig-21s and Mig-27s will be phased out during the 12 and 13th plan periods and the IAF will have to increase the lifespan of some ageing aircraft if the proposed medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) contract is not signed soon and Tejas light combat aircraft is not made operational.
The IAF now has 34 operational squadrons of fighter jets and it will have to upgrade some squadrons to maintain deterrence in the eventuality of the MMRCA not coming through.
The Defence Ministry is now engaged in complex negotiations with French manufacturer Dassault whose Rafale fighter jet emerged as the lowest bidder for the supplying 126 MMRCA. Refraining from fixing any time limit to the signing of the contract, the Air Chief said, “Even if we sign the contract now, the first aircraft will come to us by 2017. We cannot delay any further.”
The contract for the MMRCA stipulates that the first 18 jets will be bought off the shelf from the manufacturer and the HAl will manufacture the rest in India. Dassault and HAl are now engaged in negotiations to sort out difference of opinion over some clauses of the contract. The IAF flies Mig-21s, MIG-27s, MIG-29s, Jaguars, Mirages and SU-30s and the 52 Mirages are scheduled to go in for midlife upgrades soon after India and France recently signed a contract.