IAF Chief: Balakot strike redefined use of Air power, IAF inducted new BVR missiles

[graphican]

The dilemma of an incompetent person is that he finds success lies in the things which he doesn't have yet. Let India have Rafael and Meteor, and they will still be looking for the next things as desperately. One may ask; was Indian leadership eating grass and developed nothing that in all these years and only Rafael and Meteor will "earn" them a capacity to defend their scumminess? The answer has to be yes or they would not be as desperate for Rafael and Meteor.

Speaking truth is less scary than giving away your lives. When Indians are coward to a point where truth scares them - how on earth will they be willing to give away their lives in a war?

 

[Salman876]

Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria: ‘Balakot strike redefined use of air power towards meeting national objective’

• Written By Sushant Singh | New Delhi |
• Updated: February 26, 2020 11:48:04 am

Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria became the Indian Air Force chief on September 30, 2019, months after the IAF launched airstrikes at Balakot, Pakistan. On the occasion of the first anniversary of the Balakot airstrikes, ACM Bhadauria speaks with the Indian Express. Excerpts:

One year after the Balakot strike and subsequent air operations, how do you look back at the events from February 2019 till now?

The Balakot airstrike redefined the use of air power towards meeting the national objective and has changed the paradigm of sub-conventional action and response in the subcontinent. The event itself, and the subsequent air operations on February 27, 2019, have remained in public attention with the battle of narratives spreading out to the masses over all forms of media. But the fact remains that the Balakot airstrikes were the most significant air action by the IAF in over four decades, when our fighters penetrated deep into Pakistan airspace, executed a precise attack on the terror camp and returned home unchallenged.

Over the last year, we have continued to focus on our operational training and readiness and by induction of enhanced BVR (Beyond Visual Range) missiles, stand off weapon capability and upgradation of secure communications. We have looked closely at our modernisation and acquisition plans for prioritisation in line with the changing threat scenario.

ADVERTISEMENT
Read | A year after Balakot: Pakistan’s options have reduced, India has more room for manoeuvre
What were the big lessons from Balakot? How will it impact planning for future missions?

The Balakot strikes clearly demonstrated the IAF’s level of operational preparedness and capability. The package was precisely coordinated and comprised combat aircraft and enablers from many bases across the country. The men and women concerned performed their tasks admirably under challenging conditions which is a testimony to their planning and training. This complex plan was conceived and executed in full secrecy and the mission went unchallenged even when PAF was on full alert.

As in any military action, there were several lessons learnt which have been implemented in terms of capability enhancement and future plans. We have instituted measures covering the entire spectrum of induction of new capability, operational training and tactics, which will further enhance the IAF’s operational capability to undertake any such mission at short notice.

How do you plan to realistically overcome the challenge of shortage of fighter aircraft, considering the state of funds allocated for capital acquisition and IAF’s committed liabilities?

We are aware of the reducing strength of combat platforms for some time now. We have already put into place measures to overcome the shortfalls by a combination of capacity and capability enhancements. We have instituted a series of midlife upgrades and weapons integrations on legacy platforms. The LCA Mk1A and MRFA should serve to halt the reducing trend, and LCA Mk2 will thereafter boost the numbers once the upgraded platforms come to the end of their life cycles.

Also read | Balakot lessons
These inductions will be spread over a number of years which will help spread out the funding, as has been alluded to by the CDS.

Are there plans for buying more AWACS and mid-air refuellers, better weaponry for Su-30 and better air defence capability, with reports of S400 delivery being delayed?

We have plans in place for additional AWACS, both through the acquisition and development routes. We are also looking at various possibilities to enhance our refuelling capability, and these should be formalised soon. The Su-30 upgrade is on our priority list. The S400 is not delayed as has been reported, but the programme delivery schedule is being optimised in coordination with the Russian side to enable us to operationalise the weapon system quicker.

How prepared is IAF for the challenges on the northern borders? Any special plans in the offing?

The IAF, as does any armed force, continues to monitor threats and challenges across the geographical and strategic space that we operate in. With specific reference to our northern borders we are aware that matching numbers is a difficult proposition but we are adequately prepared. We are focussing on hi-tech weapons, force enablers along with emphasis on operational training.

Integrated theatre commands are in news, with CDS having it in charter, while IAF has long held that the whole of India is one theatre. How will this be resolved?

There is no doubt that our current setup, while time-tested, is old, and there is room for improvement. However, as the CDS has brought out, we need to guard against blindly following models adopted by different countries in a ‘change for change’s sake approach’. We need to clearly understand our unique situation, our resources, and develop solutions which fit our needs and requirements.

There is a clear case to enhance jointness at the operational level. Several studies are underway to resolve the practical issues of how this is to translate into deliverable and achievable actions on the ground. Our air power resources are highly inadequate to permit fragmentation into smaller theatres. We are studying methods to create joint structures and yet retain the ability to bring to bear the maximum possible firepower from air at the desired point of delivery across our entire national AOR (Area of Responsibility) in the shortest possible time.

https://indianexpress.com/article/i...ctive-6286787/lite/?__twitter_impression=true

How much DEEP INSIDE you have to go to drop SPICE (Range 60 km) to a target which is 50 km away?

 

[Mighty Lion]

Crap

Superior to both AIM-120C5 & SD-10.

 

[AMRAAM]

Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria: ‘Balakot strike redefined use of air power towards meeting national objective’

• Written By Sushant Singh | New Delhi |
• Updated: February 26, 2020 11:48:04 am

Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria became the Indian Air Force chief on September 30, 2019, months after the IAF launched airstrikes at Balakot, Pakistan. On the occasion of the first anniversary of the Balakot airstrikes, ACM Bhadauria speaks with the Indian Express. Excerpts:

One year after the Balakot strike and subsequent air operations, how do you look back at the events from February 2019 till now?

The Balakot airstrike redefined the use of air power towards meeting the national objective and has changed the paradigm of sub-conventional action and response in the subcontinent. The event itself, and the subsequent air operations on February 27, 2019, have remained in public attention with the battle of narratives spreading out to the masses over all forms of media. But the fact remains that the Balakot airstrikes were the most significant air action by the IAF in over four decades, when our fighters penetrated deep into Pakistan airspace, executed a precise attack on the terror camp and returned home unchallenged.

Over the last year, we have continued to focus on our operational training and readiness and by induction of enhanced BVR (Beyond Visual Range) missiles, stand off weapon capability and upgradation of secure communications. We have looked closely at our modernisation and acquisition plans for prioritisation in line with the changing threat scenario.

ADVERTISEMENT
Read | A year after Balakot: Pakistan’s options have reduced, India has more room for manoeuvre
What were the big lessons from Balakot? How will it impact planning for future missions?

The Balakot strikes clearly demonstrated the IAF’s level of operational preparedness and capability. The package was precisely coordinated and comprised combat aircraft and enablers from many bases across the country. The men and women concerned performed their tasks admirably under challenging conditions which is a testimony to their planning and training. This complex plan was conceived and executed in full secrecy and the mission went unchallenged even when PAF was on full alert.

As in any military action, there were several lessons learnt which have been implemented in terms of capability enhancement and future plans. We have instituted measures covering the entire spectrum of induction of new capability, operational training and tactics, which will further enhance the IAF’s operational capability to undertake any such mission at short notice.

How do you plan to realistically overcome the challenge of shortage of fighter aircraft, considering the state of funds allocated for capital acquisition and IAF’s committed liabilities?

We are aware of the reducing strength of combat platforms for some time now. We have already put into place measures to overcome the shortfalls by a combination of capacity and capability enhancements. We have instituted a series of midlife upgrades and weapons integrations on legacy platforms. The LCA Mk1A and MRFA should serve to halt the reducing trend, and LCA Mk2 will thereafter boost the numbers once the upgraded platforms come to the end of their life cycles.

Also read | Balakot lessons
These inductions will be spread over a number of years which will help spread out the funding, as has been alluded to by the CDS.

Are there plans for buying more AWACS and mid-air refuellers, better weaponry for Su-30 and better air defence capability, with reports of S400 delivery being delayed?

We have plans in place for additional AWACS, both through the acquisition and development routes. We are also looking at various possibilities to enhance our refuelling capability, and these should be formalised soon. The Su-30 upgrade is on our priority list. The S400 is not delayed as has been reported, but the programme delivery schedule is being optimised in coordination with the Russian side to enable us to operationalise the weapon system quicker.

How prepared is IAF for the challenges on the northern borders? Any special plans in the offing?

The IAF, as does any armed force, continues to monitor threats and challenges across the geographical and strategic space that we operate in. With specific reference to our northern borders we are aware that matching numbers is a difficult proposition but we are adequately prepared. We are focussing on hi-tech weapons, force enablers along with emphasis on operational training.

Integrated theatre commands are in news, with CDS having it in charter, while IAF has long held that the whole of India is one theatre. How will this be resolved?

There is no doubt that our current setup, while time-tested, is old, and there is room for improvement. However, as the CDS has brought out, we need to guard against blindly following models adopted by different countries in a ‘change for change’s sake approach’. We need to clearly understand our unique situation, our resources, and develop solutions which fit our needs and requirements.

There is a clear case to enhance jointness at the operational level. Several studies are underway to resolve the practical issues of how this is to translate into deliverable and achievable actions on the ground. Our air power resources are highly inadequate to permit fragmentation into smaller theatres. We are studying methods to create joint structures and yet retain the ability to bring to bear the maximum possible firepower from air at the desired point of delivery across our entire national AOR (Area of Responsibility) in the shortest possible time.

https://indianexpress.com/article/i...ctive-6286787/lite/?__twitter_impression=true

To claim or write something like this, your brain size should match your bal*s size.

 

[Wood]

Superior to both AIM-120C5 & SD-10.

Astra MK 1 is said to be 80 KM. Maybe comparable to old R-77s. But cannot be better than C5 at least.

 

[Mighty Lion]

Astra MK 1 is said to be 80 KM. Maybe comparable to old R-77s. But cannot be better than C5 at least.

Astra Mk1 range is now 100-110 km as confirmed by DRDO itself:

 

[Myth_buster_1]

Astra Mk1 range is now 100-110 km as confirmed by DRDO itself:

Is it superior to aim-54 which had a range of 200 km and speed of mach 5?
If range was the criteria then every air force would be adding boosters to every AAM.

 

[StormBreaker]

Is it superior to aim-54 which had a range of 200 km and speed of mach 5?
If range was the criteria then every air force would be adding boosters to every AAM.

Terminal guidance matters the most, the fuel capacity and the efficiency, precision.

 

[Myth_buster_1]

Sure, I don’t contest with any of this. Just saying that the max range for Indian R-77s that were bought in 2011 is 80 km as given by the manufacturer.

If r-77 was crap then they would IAF would not have placed 3 orders. Most missiles are effective in 40 - 60km range because ur opponent has less time to react.

 

[StormBreaker]

Induction of new RVV-SD BVR missiles confirmed by IAF CAS.
RVV-SD has a range of 110 km and thus has superior range and better No escape zone than AIM-120C5.

That definitely poses a threat given the presence of active radar seeker, but PL-15 is still far superior. Our F-16s are in dire need of AIM-120D else F-16s will be sitting duck soon. However, the BVR segment will get more complex now, the overall superiority of PAF, the gap between IAF has decreased significantly, Rafale also coming with meteor.

Guess what is more threatening in short term ? They have those Missiles incorporated, while we are not at Block 3 yet, Even if Block 2 incorporates PL-15, still the need for Block 3 is very high right now. India has shifted its focus on EW capability building, PESA is not much lucky when it comes to this sort of warfare.

Clock is ticking. Either upgrade existing thunders to AESA radar, alongside producing Block 3 in lesser numbers than usual 16 or Focus on F-16 upgrades and procurement quickly.

@Bilal Khan (Quwa) @aliyusuf

 

[Myth_buster_1]

Astra Mk1 range is now 100-110 km as confirmed by DRDO itself:

pl-15 has a range of over 150 km.

 

[StormBreaker]

pl-15 has a range of over 150 km.

God knows what it actually is
150 is definitely lesser than what i expect from China.

 

[Leviza]

This is a sound of victory on that day coming straight from top guys of enemy

yes it redefined everything and IAF trying to match it up which will take another few years to be fully operational

cheer it up guys , be humble and thank Allah for it and prepare for next round

 

[Beast]

@Deino @Beast @LKJ86

http://english.pladaily.com.cn/view/2019-03/26/content_9459759.htm

 

[ziaulislam]

Wrong
Ramjet is superior to dual pulse in every kinematic category except captive flight hours (not much of a problem since it can be solved with more money for maintenance).


Next war will be in mid 2022 when PAF will have only 16 Pl-15 eqpd JFT BlK3 whereas IAF will have all 36 Rafales and Meteors.
On top of that we will have 1000+ RVV-SD & Astra which are superior to PAFs 500 AIM-120C5

Yeah ofcourse but captive flight hours matters

Regardless the heavier pl15 will outrange meteor and the two heaviest spenders on defense WILL NOT DEVELOP ramjet BVRs

That definitely poses a threat given the presence of active radar seeker, but PL-15 is still far superior. Our F-16s are in dire need of AIM-120D else F-16s will be sitting duck soon. However, the BVR segment will get more complex now, the overall superiority of PAF, the gap between IAF has decreased significantly, Rafale also coming with meteor.

Guess what is more threatening in short term ? They have those Missiles incorporated, while we are not at Block 3 yet, Even if Block 2 incorporates PL-15, still the need for Block 3 is very high right now. India has shifted its focus on EW capability building, PESA is not much lucky when it comes to this sort of warfare.

Clock is ticking. Either upgrade existing thunders to AESA radar, alongside producing Block 3 in lesser numbers than usual 16 or Focus on F-16 upgrades and procurement quickly.

@Bilal Khan (Quwa) @aliyusuf

There is no fast option
Even f16 ordered today will take 3-4 years

The only two available options are f16& j10 with j31 as a future option
I dont see j10 beig ordered given thunder is the focus while f16 has other issues mainly the release of sensitive weapons