Air Chief Fully Supporting Tejas
As IAF Chief since October 2019, Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria is known as a man promoting indigenous efforts in aerospace and defence sector. As the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria has already initiated several steps to enhance the combat capabilities of the IAF.
Areas such as sensor/weapons technology, network/data management, artificial intelligence, operational/maintenance practices and training/supporting of human resources have got a fresh impetus so as to prepare the airforce for the challenges of the 21st century.
The Indian Air Force observed the first anniversary of Balakot air strikes that were targeted at terror camps in Pakistan on February 26, 2019.
To mark the significance of the complex operations executed with precision and punch, Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria flew a five aircraft mission from Srinagar Air Base on Wednesday. Flying alongside the Chief of Air Staff’s MiG-21 Type 69 was two Mirage-2000s and two Sukhoi-30 MKIs – the aircrew from squadrons that had participated in the operations on February 26, 27 last year.
To combat the reduced strength, he said “ We have not been sitting idle in the interim, however. We have mitigated the numbers by improving serviceability and enhancing weapons suite.We are ensuring timely upgrades of legacy platforms and working on new inductions to increase the numbers. The planned induction of the LCA versions and the acquisition of MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) will halt this trend and result in an increase in the desired numbers in a short to medium timeframe.
The induction of LCA MKII will enhance the squadron numbers. The development of indigenous fifth generation aircraft technologies for AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) is part of our long term plans.It is important that the development and deliveries are as per the planned induction schedules if we are to build the numbers and capability in reasonable time frame.
He talked about embracing emerging fifth generation technologies/ capabilities, mastering the emergent technologies in cyber, networking and big data to be always ahead of adversaries in capability and thought process.
As per him the IAF in 10 years hence will be different, for that a robust foundation was being laid to ensure that the IAF became a relevant and effective force for the threat perception of the future.
The planning process is already underway for combat systems like optimally manned sixth generation technologies, smart wingman concept, swarm drones, long persistent HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance) platforms, hypersonic weapons among others.
As per the Chief the first squadron (No 45 Sqn, Flying Daggers) is continuing to evolve the operational philosophy and validate the combat roles of the Tejas in IAF service. With the induction of the second squadron, we will enhance the operational utilisation of the Tejas.
The Tejas has very good capabilities and as we gain experience we will continue to expand its operational utility in IAF plans.
He said “ My directions to the IAF programme management teams (PMT) at Aeronautical Development Agency are clear and they are to involve completely in the design and development process of the projects LCA MKII & AMCA.
The IAF has been completely involved in the Tejas Mk1 and the Mk1A both in terms of placing orders and providing domain expertise. As customers we are fully committed to the success of the indigenous fighter programmes.
He also said that
“The IAF has firmly backed the indigenous efforts of our industry and we have reposed faith in them. Now it is time for the public sector to step up and deliver. The rate of production definitely needs to be enhanced and measures will have to be taken to ensure quality is maintained and effective maintenance support is provided to support our forces in the field.”
On Rafale he said that
“ Rafale will be a game changer in many ways. With its India-specific enhancements in avionics, electronic warfare and weapons suite, radar, HMD (helmet-mounted display) and the ability to operate from high altitude airfields, the Rafale will be one of the most contemporary and potent platforms in the region.
It will give us the first shot advantage in the aerial battle and provide us greater reach and punch, enhancing our ability to strike hard and deep and control the air battle in the subcontinent. We are working proactively to integrate it fully with our existing assets in order to operationalise this capability quickly when the aircraft arrives.
