New air chief marshal resolves to transform IAF into ‘aerospace force’

[Neo]

Sunday, April 01, 2007

New air chief marshal resolves to transform IAF into ‘aerospace force’

By Iftikhar Gilani

NEW DELHI: India’s new Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major called for using space for defence purposes on Saturday, contrary to the statements of political leaders, who had opposed China’s military ventures in space.

Taking over the reins from SP Tyagi, new Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major in his opening message asked his air warriors to work towards transforming the Indian Air Force (IAF) into an “aerospace force”. “It is only through the employment of space based application that we can be more effective beyond our shores” Major said in his ‘order of the day’.

He said his priorities would be shoring up the falling fighter strength of the country and pushing up the pace of modernisation.

“In this context, the international tenders for purchase of 126 Medium Range Combat aircraft will be out soon,” he said.

A crack chopper pilot with the distinction of having logged 7,765 flying hours, Major has commanded helicopter units both in the world’s highest battlefield Siachen and IPKF operations in Sri Lanka for which he won gallantry awards. Major becomes the first helicopter pilot to don the mantle of chief of air staff in India. Previously, all chiefs have been fighter pilots.

The foremost task before the new chief is to strengthen the dwindling squadron of IAF by procuring hi-tech new fighters. According to official estimates, IAF’s squadron strength will have plunged to an all time low of 28 squadrons by 2008, far below its sanctioned strength of 45 squadrons.

This aspect was touched upon by the outgoing air chief, Tyagi, who said that the IAF would have to take steps to see that the force received its new fighters at the earliest.

IAF has been in the process of phasing out its ageing MiG range of fighters including MiG-21 and MiG-23, but the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, which was to be their replacement, is heavily behind schedule, forcing the government to go for the purchase of 126 top of the shelf fighters.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\04\01\story_1-4-2007_pg7_36

 

[Neo]

Its too soon for India to initiate space military exploration except for espionage satellites.
It would cost Indian taxpayers billions of $$$ just for R & D.

What you guys think?

 

[A.Rahman]

Its too soon for India to initiate space military exploration except for espionage satellites.
It would cost Indian taxpayers billions of $$$ just for R & D.

What you guys think?

First they need to solve poverty, hunger & toilet problem

 

[Janbaz]

First they need to solve poverty, hunger & toilet problem

Don't forget the LCA!

 

[EagleEyes]

First they need to solve poverty, hunger & toilet problem

Thats not gonna help them compete with Pakistan Armed Forces. So unlikely!

 

[Contrarian]

I agree, espionage sats are the only thing we should go for now. Though we already have one confirmed spy sat, we need MANY more. And India till now doesnt have a dedicated military communications satellite. The Navy, AF and Army are ALL demanding separate satellites for them.

Considering that the Navy is about to order some frigates from Europe which will be the first to have a dedicated sat link, i think that GoI plans to give them atleast one in the near future.

Though Neo, ISRO has been known to deliver on a shoe string budget. I think its in their capability, just because they are not DRDO. ISRO delivers on time and exactly what is needed. Our space programmes are also just kicking off, as you can see, ISRO is earning a lot through the commercial activities.

A.Rahman, your answer does not help the discussion. Would you enjoy that i take potshots at your country next time they say something about acquiring a new weapon system?

 

[Goodperson]

First they need to solve poverty, hunger & toilet problem

Malay, Rahman seems to have tendency to raise poverty, hunger & toilet problem of India whenever he sees any positive news about India, He feels there is no such problem in Pakistan.

 

[Muradk]

Malay, Rahman seems to have tendency to raise poverty, hunger & toilet problem of India whenever he sees any positive news about India, He feels there is no such problem in Pakistan.

Rehman is right Goodperson how many people sleep on the roads in Pakistan and are hungry.
There are somethings which are uncontroversial and It is an undeniable fact why get pissed.

 

[Adux]

Murad,

Pakistan is definitly not in a better position, And all we see is jealousy, We spend 4%- 5% on defence when you have so much poverty. I will not deny anything about India, Poverty, AiDs, Toilet Problem, Heck I dont care, we are moving forward.

Pakistan is in no position to challenge us now, And I frankly I enjoy that feeling.

 

[Adux]

Its too soon for India to initiate space military exploration except for espionage satellites.
It would cost Indian taxpayers billions of $$$ just for R & D.

What you guys think?

Neo,

Its just a step, I am sure the government wouldnt allocate that kind of Money needed for Space based Weapons, But India is taking the China's Anti-Satellite Test very seriously. So it should be to counter it. I am sure we are not going to see any StarWars Program in India.

 

[EagleEyes]

Murad,

Pakistan is definitly not in a better position, And all we see is jealousy, We spend 4%- 5% on defence when you have so much poverty. I will not deny anything about India, Poverty, AiDs, Toilet Problem, Heck I dont care, we are moving forward.

Pakistan is in no position to challenge us now, And I frankly I enjoy that feeling.

Challenge in what? Pakistan doesn't challenges, it does it.

 

[EagleEyes]

Neo,

Its just a step, I am sure the government wouldnt allocate that kind of Money needed for Space based Weapons, But India is taking the China's Anti-Satellite Test very seriously. So it should be to counter it. I am sure we are not going to see any StarWars Program in India.

I think it is a smart step. Since there will no such thing as air superiority over anything in the war between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan should now team up with China to learn and develop space technologies to counter Indias designs.

 

[Muradk]

Murad,

Pakistan is definitly not in a better position, And all we see is jealousy, We spend 4%- 5% on defence when you have so much poverty. I will not deny anything about India, Poverty, AiDs, Toilet Problem, Heck I dont care, we are moving forward.

Pakistan is in no position to challenge us now, And I frankly I enjoy that feeling.

Jealousy oh please I have never compared Pakistan with India. And give this statement of no one can challenge us now to someone who has not fought India 2 times.

 

[Goodperson]

How Comic it gets, Neo puts an Article from Dailytimes about "New air chief marshal resolves to transform IAF into ‘aerospace force".
Rehman reply has no relation to the topic rather taking dig at poverty in India.
Muradk joins the bandwagon.

Neo should rather have changed the title to poverty in India, or Rahman as Moderator could have helped

 

[Adux]

Challenge in what? Pakistan doesn't challenges, it does it.

Operation Gilbertar to Kargil to Whatever, we all know the outcome's.
So good luck Pakistan.

MuradK,

I used the word, for the very fact, that we have one of the highest social spending in the world, but yet Our problem is so far greater than the resources we have at hand. So it is a fine balance, 2.3% of GDP for Defence is one of the lowest in terms of %. The poverty is a weak arguement, esp India is surrounded by Aggressive nations, who has a history of attacking us.