FROM FORCE
‘The First AWACS Expected in October will be Based in Agra’
Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major PVSM AVSM SC VM ADC
What is the update on Indian Air Force’s activities on the eastern front against China?
Over the years, due to a paucity of resources, infrastructure in our Eastern parts has undergone a bit of a decline. We have now decided to beef up our assets and more importantly the infrastructure in the Eastern sector, in the 11th (2007-2012) and 12th (2012-2017) Defence Plans. We intend modernising our airbases to make them capable of undertaking operations of all types of aircraft, both heavy transport and fighters, including the Su-30 MKI. The philosophy being that all airfields to be brought up to a standard that is not aircraft specific, but can take all types of aircraft. The work on upgradation of Tezpur airfield has started and will be finished by end 2009. Similarly, we will be developing most of our airfields in that region including Jorhat. Kalaikunda is already developed. The airfield in Panagarh will be resurrected. We will also improve facilities and infrastructure at other air bases.
What are the IAF’s training priorities, joint warfare with land forces and simultaneous parallel warfare, and/or contingency-based joint warfare according to the Joint Doctrine issued by the Integrated Defence Headquarters in support of Operations Other Than War?
The Indian Air Force is fully committed to function as a cohesive and joint force as has been envisaged in the Joint Doctrine. Differing situations require accordingly appropriate responses. Airpower today, has ubiquitous capability and by virtue of that, provides the national leadership with a wide array of options to deal with the entire spectrum of conflict. It alone has the capability to respond swiftly and with precision from providing surveillance to destruction with minimum collateral damage.
Our procurement and modernisation plans are in consonance with the requirement to be able to conduct parallel and joint operations. We continue to prepare for these objectives and have developed considerable expertise towards this capability.
The IAF training pattern at operational and command levels is designed for smooth and efficient conduct of joint operations. A large number of joint courses with this specific objective are conducted regularly, to put in place structures and understanding of joint operations. We conduct joint exercises with the army and the navy, to strengthen, hone and refine our procedures.
What are the IAF’s capability-building targets in terms of combat strength?
IAF’s plan to have the authorised number of combat squadrons was adversely affected, as the procurement process did not keep pace with phasing out of aircraft. The strength of combat squadrons in the IAF by end of the 12th Plan, will be much closer to our authorised strength. IAF has planned the induction of additional Su-30 MKIs, M-MRCA and LCA to arrest the depleting trend. More specifically, two squadrons of the LCA in the IOC version will be inducted in 2010-11. After that, the IAF plan is to have six LCA squadrons by the end of the 13th Defence Plan. These squadrons should start joining the IAF by 2017. Induction of the MMRCA is also likely to commence in 2012. And as you know, induction of Su-30MKI is an ongoing process, where eventually we will have a total of about 230 aircraft. At present, we have three Su-30MKI squadrons. HAL manufactures about 13 Su-30MKI every year. The additional 40 Su-30 MKI’s will be inducted in 2009-2010.
What is the update on network-centric warfare, especially the inductions of Integrated Air Command and Control (IACCS)?
Success in contemporary warfare demands domination of information. This implies possession of capability to gather information and exploit it, strategically or tactically, in a time-cycle shorter than the adversary’s. The IAF had put in motion plans to develop these capabilities and it is that effort that is seeing fruition today. Project IACCS was conceived to automate the AD Command and Control setup of the IAF. We have laid down the fundamental architecture for the network and are in the process of establishing an IP/MPLS-based Fibre Optic network connecting all bases. Modern generation Mobile Communication Terminals (MCT) have been planned for last mile connectivity. All these networks are capable of high data transfer loads with redundancy.
When will the first AWACS be inducted and where will it be located?
The first AWACS is expected in October this year, followed by two more. The first AWACS will be based in Agra.
Are there plans of acquiring cargo version of C-130J Hercules and additional C-130J Special Operations Version?
The IAF is in the process of acquiring six C-130J (Hercules) aircraft from the USA through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route with an option to bid for six more. It is being written that these aircraft are for special operations role. The reality is that the aircraft has the special operations equipment but can also be used in the cargo role. It is a multi-role aircraft. The plan for induction of transport aircraft into the IAF is based on various factors like its strategic compulsions, operational tasks and required capability so as to meet the requisite tasks. Suitable aircraft are planned for induction in a phased manner.
Please give an update on medium lift, both aircraft and helicopter, capabilities. What steps have been initiated and what is in the pipeline?
The demand on our transport and helicopter fleets is very high and will only increase in the future due to enhanced national and international commitments. Transport aircraft commitment in support of troops to inhospitable and inaccessible areas like Ladakh, north eastern region and Andaman & Nicobar Islands has also increased. Our transport fleet is a mix of heavy, medium and light transport aircraft of varying vintage. A variety of upgradation and procurement schemes are being progressed to meet the enhanced task.
The helicopter is a versatile machine and has multiple utility in peace and war. The IAF’s requirement of helicopters will be met by inducting additional helicopters, in a phased manner during the next two ‘Five-Year-Plan’ periods. These new helicopters would be in the light, medium and heavy-lift categories, as also attack helicopters. In more specific terms, the IAF has a requirement for 125 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH). There are plans to procure 197 LUH of which 64 will be for the IAF and the remaining for the army. In addition to this, HAL will develop and manufacture 187 LUH. The Qualitative Requirements (QR) for the latter aircraft has not been decided yet. As the IAF will be working closely with HAL on this project, a better QR will be finalised closer to time.
Regarding the medium lift helicopters, we are looking at a payload of three to five tonnes and ‘all up weight’ in the region of 12 to 14 tonnes. We are very close to signing the contract in the next few months.
In the fixed wing transport category, we intend upgrading the An-32 with better avionics and systems.
The case for upgrading IL-76 will depend upon the cost-effectiveness of the project which needs to be assessed. As you know, in the medium category we have signed an agreement with Russia for design and development of MTA. The first aircraft should fly around 2013-2014.
The RFP for 22 attack helicopters has been issued recently. Which are the companies who have been issued the RFP?
The RFP has gone to most of the advanced helicopter manufacturing companies around the world.
What is the roadmap for UAV acquisition, both in terms of number of squadrons and capabilities?
The UAV is a potent force multiplier with immense capabilities, which can enhance our operational potential and preparedness, by optimally integrating the existing resources with other elements of air power. We also envisage that the requirement of these platforms would increase in future due to the emerging irregular and asymmetric threats. We have plans to upgrade the existing UAVs, as well as induct more with enhanced capabilities and performance. These systems are envisaged to play a crucial role in future operations. As far as the up gradation is concerned, we are basically looking at payload upgrades.
With such an induction of transport and fighter aircraft, do you visualise a pilots’ shortage as is being mentioned in the media reports?
Let me start by explaining that an air force pilot takes up to six-eight years of initial and operational training before he can be said to be fully operational on any type of aircraft. Pilots have to be trained over a period of time and you do not get them overnight. We are short of about 400 pilots presently, but with increased intakes and introduction of Short Service Commission in the flying branch, we will make good the shortage by 2010. Hence, this issue does not worry me too much.
In operational terms, what is the single thing that concerns you a lot?
The one thing that remains foremost in my mind is that while procurements and modernisation continue, we must always maintain a combat edge with whatever we have over our likely adversaries. At the same time, we should have the capability and knowledge domain to keep absorbing new technology that is being inducted.
What is the progress on the fifth generation aircraft with Russians? What capabilities is the IAF looking for in the fifth generation aircraft?
An Inter Governmental Agreement (IGA) has been signed between the two countries. An IGA has also been signed to formalise the co-development and co-production of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). Presently, discussions are being held to finalise the technical specifications of the FGFA. Development of the MTA and FGFA, and their subsequent induction in the IAF, is planned in a phased manner during the next two ‘Five-Year-Plan’ periods.
How many aerostat radars are to be procured by the air force?
We have procured and set-up two aerostat radars, which are fully operational now. Eventually, we hope to have 11 aerostat radars by the end of 13th Defence Plan.
Provisioning of spares, especially of Russian origin platforms, continues to be problem area. What is being done with the OEMs and HAL in this regard?
IAF is taking the necessary measures by anticipating requirements and signing of long-term contracts spanning three to five years, and continuous interaction with OEMs/Vendors to ensure timely supplies. Indigenisation is also helping overcome shortages of some of the spares. As regards HAL, IAF is in constant touch with various HAL divisions to synergise efforts towards desired provisioning levels.
Is the IAF satisfied with the performance of Cheetal helicopters especially for Siachen and sub-sector North? How many Cheetal units will be raised in the 11th Defence Plan?
The Cheetal helicopters are planned to be inducted this year. Operational performance would be known only after extensive utilisation in field units. A comprehensive review of the helicopter fleet is undertaken regularly and plans are made to induct helicopters with specific capabilities. In fact, Cheetal owes its development to such a review in the past.
What IAF projects are underway and in the pipeline with HAL?
During the past decade, HAL has made rapid strides in delivering the desired products to the Indian Air Force. Interaction with HAL has grown manifold and we are on a daily dialogue on issues concerning us. During the next few years, HAL would be engaged in production, overhaul and upgrade of a number of aircraft and ground-based equipment for the IAF. HAL is currently engaged with more than 25 Air Force projects.
What is the ideal and realistic time table for induction of the 126 MMRCA? What steps are involved in the procurement of these combat aircraft?
The proposals have been received from the vendors and are now being scrutinised. Thereafter, the procedure as per the Defence Procurement Policy would be followed and efforts would be made to meet the laid down time frames.
Does the IAF practice for the strategic role to ensure a credible nuclear deterrence?
India has always propagated ‘No First Use’ in case of nuclear weapon employment. Deterrence has credibility only if there is demonstrated capability!
You were present at ILA 2008. What are your impressions of the show?
Indian aerospace industry made an impact on the European visitors. I must mention that the showcasing of indigenous Dhruv, both by the IAF’s ‘Sarang’ display team and HAL, had a major impact on the people. I would like to share with you that as I was going around with the German Air Force Chief, he was especially appreciative of the good capabilities displayed by the Indian DPSU’s and industry. He told me that the Indian indigenous electronic warfare equipment and sensors were world class. I think India did extremely well, given the fact that we partnered a world-class air show for the first time.
Besides ILA, did you have any other engagements in Germany?
Yes, I took the opportunity to visit German Air Force formations on the invitation of my German counterpart. I visited their Air Command in Köln, where I was given briefings about their operations with ISAF and NATO experiences in Bosnia. I also visited their air policing centre, which is jointly manned by Luftwaffe and civil aviation for air space management.
What about air space management in India?
The IAF is responsible for the Air Defence of the Indian air space. In India, we are working for a close interaction between the IAF and civil radars for better use of air space. This will ensure that the air force and civil aviation corridors are available to both for unrestricted flying, should it be required. In November-December, we tried this integration in the southern peninsular region and it worked very well. We are now in consultation with civil aviation authorities, for similar integration trials in other regions.