Rajkumar
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New Delhi: Two years after the former Air Chief sent a warning to the Government about the Air Force losing parity with its Pakistani counterpart, things are still not completely looking up.
In the midst of tensions between India and Pakistan, the IAF is working with one of its lowest squadron strengths - 32 as opposed to a sanctioned 39. The numbers count specially in a full blown conflict.
In his letter to the government - details of which were accessed by CNN IBN and first telecast on Sep 2006 - the then Air Chief Air Marshall Tyagi had talked about the declining combat strength
He wrote, "Unless immediate steps are taken to arrest the reduction in Indian Air Force's force levels, the Nation will for the first time in its history, lose the conventional military edge over Pakistan".
Seven months later in one of the fastest decisions, the government gave the go ahead for 40 Sukhoi M30s. It could be the end of 2009 before the planes finally enter service.
Other programs like the deal to purchase the 126 Multi Role Aircraft and the Light Combat Aircraft could take several years before they fructify.
Therefore, for the moment the IAF is struggling with one of its lowest aircraft strengths.
The depleting force levels could affect the capability of the Air Force to carry out wide scale operations. The existing aircraft are also far from satisfactory
The MiG-21s have already lived their life. Only six of the 13 squadrons will remain in service after 2012 and MiG-27s are being upgraded
A deal to upgrade the MiG-29s has been signed but could be three years before they arrive and the Mirage-2000s are also due for upgradation.
Even with this the IAF has an edge over its Pakistani counterpart. But its dominance in the sub-continent's airspace and the crucial roles its played is certainly under threat.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/are-we-battle-ready-iaf-on-lowest-strength-ever/82704-3.html
In the midst of tensions between India and Pakistan, the IAF is working with one of its lowest squadron strengths - 32 as opposed to a sanctioned 39. The numbers count specially in a full blown conflict.
In his letter to the government - details of which were accessed by CNN IBN and first telecast on Sep 2006 - the then Air Chief Air Marshall Tyagi had talked about the declining combat strength
He wrote, "Unless immediate steps are taken to arrest the reduction in Indian Air Force's force levels, the Nation will for the first time in its history, lose the conventional military edge over Pakistan".
Seven months later in one of the fastest decisions, the government gave the go ahead for 40 Sukhoi M30s. It could be the end of 2009 before the planes finally enter service.
Other programs like the deal to purchase the 126 Multi Role Aircraft and the Light Combat Aircraft could take several years before they fructify.
Therefore, for the moment the IAF is struggling with one of its lowest aircraft strengths.
The depleting force levels could affect the capability of the Air Force to carry out wide scale operations. The existing aircraft are also far from satisfactory
The MiG-21s have already lived their life. Only six of the 13 squadrons will remain in service after 2012 and MiG-27s are being upgraded
A deal to upgrade the MiG-29s has been signed but could be three years before they arrive and the Mirage-2000s are also due for upgradation.
Even with this the IAF has an edge over its Pakistani counterpart. But its dominance in the sub-continent's airspace and the crucial roles its played is certainly under threat.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/are-we-battle-ready-iaf-on-lowest-strength-ever/82704-3.html
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