New Delhi (Staff Correspondent), November 13: In JP Dutta’s Border movie, when the Indo-Pakistan war had almost slipped out of the hands of the Indian Army, came to its rescue the Indian Air Force. That unforgettable thumbs up from Jackie Shroff from within the cockpit while cruising over the battlefield and Sunny Deol’s response to it has ever since been a blockbuster moment in the Indian cinema industry.
However, is the calibre of the Indian Air Force similar on the international scale to that in the cinema? The answer to that may be yes, but with a pinch of required modernisation.
If the World Air Power Index is to be believed, The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been placed at the third position in terms of the total fighting strength of the various air services of different nations of the world.
But how true is that? If the Indian Government’s data is to be trusted, the Indian Air Force is very well equipped and is constantly undergoing modernisation changes at institutional level.
If we talk of its strength, the Indian Air Force has aircrafts including the Mirage-2000, which is a fourth-generation fighter jet with nine hard points for carrying weapons, the C-295, which can carry up to 71 troops, their equipment and vehicles, can be used for air-to-air refuelling, other hi-tech aircrafts including the Tejas, Rafale, and Sukhoi-30.
The force also has some cutting edge technology helicopters like the Apache attack helicopter, the Mi-26, Mi-8, Mi-17 and Mi-17V 5 transport helicopters. Other than these, the IAF is also acquiring the HAL Prachand Light Combat Helicopter for more effective operations and missions.
Apart from aircrafts, the IAF also has acquired some modern military assets including stealthy autonomous UCAVs (DRDO Ghatak) and swarm drones (ALFA-S). These aren’t only used for surveillance but also have the capacity to lead a swarm of lethal attackers of the air force beyond enemy lines when action is required.
Despite already having possession of such hi-tech equipment, vehicles and weaponary the Indian Air Force has still put in place a blueprint for an entire overhaul of the Air Defence network, acquisition of frontline combat aircraft with state of the art precision weapons and other enabling technologies. This clearly testifies of the Indian Government’s commitment towards leaving no stone unturned when it comes to becoming a global power.
India’s concern are also its neighbours who also have stepped up their game. While China has the second-largest air force in the world, Pakistan has the seventh-largest.
India has also been actively participating in some of the air defence exercises with its friendly counterparts. This is done to not only extend cooperation in the field of defence and combat but also as a medium of technology sharing and strategy planning.
Such exercises with countries like the USA, France, the UK, Australia and Japan also speak volumes of India’s relation with these countries and gives a clear message to its neighbours and those who consider India their rival.
But it does not mean that India does not fall short in its air defence.
If defence experts are to be believed, the IAF has a shortage of fighter aircraft, with only 31 squadrons currently available compared to the sanctioned strength of 42. This is the lowest number of squadrons the IAF has had since 1965.
Also, India has been lagging on the production of the light combat aircraft. Along with this there also has been little progress towards procurement of multi-role fighters under the Make in India scheme.
In fact the Indian Air Force also has been outsourcing engine technology for some of its aircrafts, this besides the over all shortage in the strength of its officers and airmen.
But at the same time, to address these shortages, the IAF is considering a number of options, like participating more actively in international collaborations such as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) or the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). There have also been talks of co-producing jet engines with the countries and tech giants like the US.
At the international stage also the IAF has made its mark actively participating in the UN missions.
Above all, the Indian Air Force stands as a crucial pillar of India’s defense strategy, embodying a rich legacy of bravery and innovation. With its ongoing modernization of fleet and advancement of technological capabilities, the IAF does and will continue to play a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and enhancing regional stability.
Through rigorous training, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to humanitarian missions, the IAF not only protects India’s skies but also fosters international cooperation. As it continues to evolve, the IAF remains dedicated to upholding its core values of integrity, service, and excellence in every endeavour.
