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Indian Air Force (IAF)
Bharatiya Vayu Sena
It will cover the following areas.
GENERAL | ORDER OF BATTLE | INVENTORY | BASES
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is one of the largest in the world. It was formed in its present form in 1947 upon the countrys independence, although it was first raised in 1933 under RAF control and from 1945 until five years later had a Royal prefix. India has fought several wars with Pakistan and relations between the two remain a source of potential conflict, although the development of nuclear weapons on both sides has added a further inducement to find alternative ways of settling their disputes. The greatest dispute with Pakistan remains the status of Kashmir. India also fought a war with China in 1962.
After each conflict the IAF has expanded, with British and US suppliers giving way to Soviet armaments, while Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has also become a major source of aircraft for the air arm. Under the terms of the 2007 to 2012 Defence Plan the Indian Air Force is aiming to increase its number of combat squadrons to 33.5 units.
The IAF currently consists of five regional and two functional commands. Each regional command has operational control of all the combat, transport and helicopter units within its area, with all assets on a single base assigned to a Wing. The IAF is undergoing a period of modernisation with a large number of programmes underway to procure new aircraft and update existing platforms.
Procurement and development programmes are progressing for new light, medium and heavy classes of combat aircraft. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)/HAL Tejas, the first Technology Demonstration (TD) prototype having flown on January 4, 2001, followed by the second on June 6, 2002. Three prototype vehicles (PV) had flown by early 2007 and work was continuing on eight Limited Series Production (LSP) aircraft, all of which are due to fly by late-2008. In 2006 ADA and the Indian Air Force signed a contract for 16 single- and four two-seat series production Tejas to be delivered between 2009 and 2010. They will be followed by another 20 at the rate of eight a year, and production will continue to fulfil a requirement that is believed to be in excess of 200 aircraft. The LCA was designed to replace the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis Bison, an upgrade variant of the basic -21bis model that makes up the bulk of Indias combat aircraft fleet. However, given the age of the MiG-21 fleet, the limited capabilities of its airframe and its (relatively) high accident rate in Indian service, the Soviet-era fighter may be replaced by other types before the bulk of the LCAs can be delivered.
India issued a request for proposal on August 28, 2007 for 126 new Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (M-MRCA) valued at some $10.25 billion. The winning fighter could be selected in 2008, with service entry between 2010 and 2012. This has been a long-standing requirement with the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a Next Generation version of the Lockheed Martin F-16, Saab JAS39 Gripen, Mikoyan MiG-35 (a production version of the thrust-vectoring MiG-29M OVT), the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale all in contention.
The requirement has evolved considerably over the years, as it was originally to be satisfied by the acquisition of additional, updated Dassault Mirage 2000s. India still retains on interest in the Mirage 2000, and has investigated acquiring Qatars fleet of 13 2000-5EDA/DDAs and/or second-hand aircraft from France as a stop-gap prior to the service entry of the M-MRCA. Proposals to upgrade the surviving Mirage 2000H fleet to 2000-5 Mk II standard are also being studied.
The Indian Sukhoi Su-30MKI programme resulted in India becoming the first to operate a thrust-vectoring combat aircraft. An order for 40 was initially placed to be built at the Irkutsk factory. In 1997 eight basic Su-30Ks were delivered, without any of the India-specified equipment installed or aerodynamic improvements. They were used to form the first squadron to ease the type into service. An additional order was placed in late-1998 for a further ten aircraft as Su-30MK-1s in addition to the original 40, comprising of the airframes built for the cancelled Indonesian Su-30KI order. The first with canards and TVC were known as Su-30MKI-2s and delivered in mid-2002, with an air-to-air capability. They were followed by examples produced to the full multi-role Su-30MKI-3 standard.
In addition to the Irkutsk-built aircraft a licence agreement was concluded to allow HAL to build 140 at Nasik, initially using components supplied from Russian with an increasing percentage of indigenous parts as more aircraft rolled off the line. The first HAL assembled aircraft made its maiden flight in late-2005, and around ten had been delivered from Nasik by early 2007. The last of the 140 are due to be handed over in 2017. A further order for 18 Su-30MKIs was placed in February 2006, allowing the Su-30K and Su-30MK-1s to be withdrawn that year. On February 8, 2007, the Commander of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshall S P Tyagi at the time announced that an addition order for 40 aircraft was imminent which was signed for a few months later.
RAC MiG is expected to be awarded a contract to upgrade the 57 MiG-29 single-seaters and seven two-seaters in IAF service in the near future with the Zhuk-ME radar, air-to-air refuelling probe and the capability to use an increased range of weapons. Six aircraft would be upgraded in Russia with the others at Nasik-Ojhar by the Indian Air Force. A separate contract may be signed to upgrade the aircrafts Klimov RD-33 powerplants to Series III standard.
HAL is currently in the process of upgrading 40 Mikoyan MiG-27Ms for further service. Over 100 of the 165 delivered since 1985 remain operational. Much fewer MiG-23BNs remain in service, while the MiG-23MFs were retired from front-line operations in 2007.
HAL-assembled Jaguars are used in both the long-range overland and maritime strike roles, one squadron flying specially equipped aircraft in the later mission. The last order for 20 single-seat Jaguars, equipped with the new DARIN II attack/navigation system, is expected to be delivered by HAL by early 2008.
The recent retirements of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25Rs and English Electric Canberra has reduced the reconnaissance capabilities of the IAF. The Canberras were also used as target-tugs. A requirement exists for a new multi-role aircraft to undertake many of the roles previously undertaken by the aircraft. The Embraer Legacy 600 and Gulfstream G200 are in contention, but it is possible they will be operated by the Aviation Research Centre. The Su-30MKIs that are working up at Bareilly with
8 Sqn will fulfil a recce role and for the first time, weapons systems operators are now being trained to work on them - two WSOs were present at RAF Waddington when the IAF's 30 Sqn visited in July 2007.
In the last decade the IAF has invested heavily in force multipliers, including tankers and airborne early warning and control (AEW & C) aircraft. An initial batch of Ilyushin Il-78MKIs was delivered from 2003, while refuelling probes were added to several combat types, including the Mirage 2000Hs, Jaguars and MiG-27Ms. The first of three Beriev A-50E AEW & C aircraft will be delivered in early 2008. The first aircraft was being fitted with an ELTA radar system in Tel Aviv, Israel, by IAI in early 2007. India is also continuing its indigenous AEW & C programme following the loss of the HAL 748 testbed equipped with a rotodome. The new radar is a beam-type unit developed by CABS in Bangalore. Two Embraer EMB-145s have been ordered to act as the platform for the new radar.
The heavy-lift Ilyushin Il-76MD Gajrajs are currently being equipped with an upgraded cockpit and removal of the tail turret position. A total of 24 Il-76MDs were delivered from 1985 to replace Antonov An-12s.
The mainstay of the IAF tactical transport fleet is the Antonov An-32 Sutlej. A plan to upgrade all 118 An-32s was under discussion in early 2007. If it goes ahead between 10 and 20 aircraft will be worked upon in Kiev, with HAL upgrading the rest of the fleet to allow the aircraft to serve on for a further 15 to 25 years.
In the long term the Multi-role Transport Aircraft (MTA) to be developed by HAL and Ilyushin is expected to replace the An-32. Production of the prototypes is expected to start in 2010, with the first flight scheduled for December 2011. The IAF is also expected to order six (and six options) stretched Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules to meet a requirement for a transport for the Indian special-forces.
HAL-assembled BAe 748s serve in the transport and VIP role. Several different versions are flown, including aircraft fitted with a side-loading freight door. Around 28 HAL-assembled Dornier Do 228s are used in the light transport role. Another 12 are due to join them in service.
Four Embraer Legacies were delivered to upgrade the VIP fleet of the Air Force Headquarters Communications Squadron (AFHQCS) from mid-2005. The fleet will be further improved with the arrival of three Boeing BBJs, the first of which made its maiden flight on November 14, 2006, prior to being fitted out with a VIP interior. The BBJs will be used to replace the Boeing 737-200s currently flown by the AFHQCS.
The IAF operates a large number of helicopters in support of the Indian Army. The mainstay of the battlefield transport fleet is the Mil Mi-8/17 Hip, of which over 250 have been delivered since 1971, just over half of which remain in service. The 2006 order for 80 Mil Mi-17-IV Hips will allow the IAF to replace some of its older Mi-8s when deliveries commence in early 2007. A small number of Hips are configured for VIP transport and assigned to headquarters units. A request for proposals for new VIP and VVIP helicopters was issued in September 2006 with a contract expected to be signed within two or three years.
Around 30 HAL Chetaks will be augmented by ten re-engined Chetans, although the new standard light helicopter will be the HAL Dhruv. As of February 2007 22 Dhruvs had been delivered to the Air Force for two units, including a training unit at Yelahanka that provides the helicopters and crews for the Sarang display team. The first example powered by the Shakti (RTM333) is due to be delivered to Air Force in 2008.
The IAF still operates the Mil Mi-24/35 Hind combat helicopters. In 1998 a deal was agreed with IAI for the modification of 25 Hinds with the Mission 24 upgrade kit. The upgrade improves operations at night as it provides the helicopter with a NVG compatible cockpit and a Tamam Helicopter Multi-mission Optronic Stablised Payload (HMOSP) system mounted under the nose.
Training Command undertakes all forms of training of the IAF, including pilots from primary to type conversion, other aircrew, ground personnel, and parachutist training. As such it operates a wide range of aircraft. All future IAF pilots attend the Air Force Academy. Prior to going to the Air Force Academy many prospective IAF pilots will have flown either in the Diamond HK-36TC Super Dimonas of the National Defence Academy or the Zenair CH601s of the National Cadet Force. Once at the Academy pilots progress from HAL HPT-32 Deepaks to HAL Kirans before being streamed for fast jets, multi-engined aircraft or helicopters. Future fast jet pilots complete training on MiG-21s with the MOFTU before being posted to an operation squadron.
A long drawn out competition for an advanced jet trainer eventually resulted in BAE Systems being awarded a contract to supply 24 Hawk Mk 132s and help establish a HAL production line to assembly another 42 aircraft. The first made its maiden flight on December 14, 2006, with deliveries expected to commence in 2007. When the aircraft enters service pilots will progress to it from the Kiran before going on to a combat type.
The HAL HJT-36 Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) is due to replace the Kiran, with around 100 expected to be purchased. The first prototype made its maiden flight in March 2003, but production will not commence until the Hawk programme has been completed.
Maintenance Command provides the IAF with logistical support in addition to overhauling its aircraft. The only aircraft directly assigned to it are a handful of VIP configured HAL 748s.
Although it is closely associated with the Indian Air Force, the Aviation Research Centre (ARC) is controlled by the Research and Analysis Wing, which is believed to report directly to the Cabinet Secretariat and the Prime Ministers Office in New Delhi. The ARC was established after the 1962 war with China initially to provide airlift support in the regions bordering China and Tibet. The roles expanded over the years to include long-range transport, SIGINT/ELINT collection and reconnaissance. To undertake its missions the ARC operates an eclectic collection of aircraft - some civil registered and many of which have been specially modified.
ref; AirForceIntel.com
to be continued...
Bharatiya Vayu Sena
It will cover the following areas.
GENERAL | ORDER OF BATTLE | INVENTORY | BASES
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is one of the largest in the world. It was formed in its present form in 1947 upon the countrys independence, although it was first raised in 1933 under RAF control and from 1945 until five years later had a Royal prefix. India has fought several wars with Pakistan and relations between the two remain a source of potential conflict, although the development of nuclear weapons on both sides has added a further inducement to find alternative ways of settling their disputes. The greatest dispute with Pakistan remains the status of Kashmir. India also fought a war with China in 1962.
After each conflict the IAF has expanded, with British and US suppliers giving way to Soviet armaments, while Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has also become a major source of aircraft for the air arm. Under the terms of the 2007 to 2012 Defence Plan the Indian Air Force is aiming to increase its number of combat squadrons to 33.5 units.
The IAF currently consists of five regional and two functional commands. Each regional command has operational control of all the combat, transport and helicopter units within its area, with all assets on a single base assigned to a Wing. The IAF is undergoing a period of modernisation with a large number of programmes underway to procure new aircraft and update existing platforms.
Procurement and development programmes are progressing for new light, medium and heavy classes of combat aircraft. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)/HAL Tejas, the first Technology Demonstration (TD) prototype having flown on January 4, 2001, followed by the second on June 6, 2002. Three prototype vehicles (PV) had flown by early 2007 and work was continuing on eight Limited Series Production (LSP) aircraft, all of which are due to fly by late-2008. In 2006 ADA and the Indian Air Force signed a contract for 16 single- and four two-seat series production Tejas to be delivered between 2009 and 2010. They will be followed by another 20 at the rate of eight a year, and production will continue to fulfil a requirement that is believed to be in excess of 200 aircraft. The LCA was designed to replace the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis Bison, an upgrade variant of the basic -21bis model that makes up the bulk of Indias combat aircraft fleet. However, given the age of the MiG-21 fleet, the limited capabilities of its airframe and its (relatively) high accident rate in Indian service, the Soviet-era fighter may be replaced by other types before the bulk of the LCAs can be delivered.
India issued a request for proposal on August 28, 2007 for 126 new Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (M-MRCA) valued at some $10.25 billion. The winning fighter could be selected in 2008, with service entry between 2010 and 2012. This has been a long-standing requirement with the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a Next Generation version of the Lockheed Martin F-16, Saab JAS39 Gripen, Mikoyan MiG-35 (a production version of the thrust-vectoring MiG-29M OVT), the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale all in contention.
The requirement has evolved considerably over the years, as it was originally to be satisfied by the acquisition of additional, updated Dassault Mirage 2000s. India still retains on interest in the Mirage 2000, and has investigated acquiring Qatars fleet of 13 2000-5EDA/DDAs and/or second-hand aircraft from France as a stop-gap prior to the service entry of the M-MRCA. Proposals to upgrade the surviving Mirage 2000H fleet to 2000-5 Mk II standard are also being studied.
The Indian Sukhoi Su-30MKI programme resulted in India becoming the first to operate a thrust-vectoring combat aircraft. An order for 40 was initially placed to be built at the Irkutsk factory. In 1997 eight basic Su-30Ks were delivered, without any of the India-specified equipment installed or aerodynamic improvements. They were used to form the first squadron to ease the type into service. An additional order was placed in late-1998 for a further ten aircraft as Su-30MK-1s in addition to the original 40, comprising of the airframes built for the cancelled Indonesian Su-30KI order. The first with canards and TVC were known as Su-30MKI-2s and delivered in mid-2002, with an air-to-air capability. They were followed by examples produced to the full multi-role Su-30MKI-3 standard.
In addition to the Irkutsk-built aircraft a licence agreement was concluded to allow HAL to build 140 at Nasik, initially using components supplied from Russian with an increasing percentage of indigenous parts as more aircraft rolled off the line. The first HAL assembled aircraft made its maiden flight in late-2005, and around ten had been delivered from Nasik by early 2007. The last of the 140 are due to be handed over in 2017. A further order for 18 Su-30MKIs was placed in February 2006, allowing the Su-30K and Su-30MK-1s to be withdrawn that year. On February 8, 2007, the Commander of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshall S P Tyagi at the time announced that an addition order for 40 aircraft was imminent which was signed for a few months later.
RAC MiG is expected to be awarded a contract to upgrade the 57 MiG-29 single-seaters and seven two-seaters in IAF service in the near future with the Zhuk-ME radar, air-to-air refuelling probe and the capability to use an increased range of weapons. Six aircraft would be upgraded in Russia with the others at Nasik-Ojhar by the Indian Air Force. A separate contract may be signed to upgrade the aircrafts Klimov RD-33 powerplants to Series III standard.
HAL is currently in the process of upgrading 40 Mikoyan MiG-27Ms for further service. Over 100 of the 165 delivered since 1985 remain operational. Much fewer MiG-23BNs remain in service, while the MiG-23MFs were retired from front-line operations in 2007.
HAL-assembled Jaguars are used in both the long-range overland and maritime strike roles, one squadron flying specially equipped aircraft in the later mission. The last order for 20 single-seat Jaguars, equipped with the new DARIN II attack/navigation system, is expected to be delivered by HAL by early 2008.
The recent retirements of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25Rs and English Electric Canberra has reduced the reconnaissance capabilities of the IAF. The Canberras were also used as target-tugs. A requirement exists for a new multi-role aircraft to undertake many of the roles previously undertaken by the aircraft. The Embraer Legacy 600 and Gulfstream G200 are in contention, but it is possible they will be operated by the Aviation Research Centre. The Su-30MKIs that are working up at Bareilly with
8 Sqn will fulfil a recce role and for the first time, weapons systems operators are now being trained to work on them - two WSOs were present at RAF Waddington when the IAF's 30 Sqn visited in July 2007.
In the last decade the IAF has invested heavily in force multipliers, including tankers and airborne early warning and control (AEW & C) aircraft. An initial batch of Ilyushin Il-78MKIs was delivered from 2003, while refuelling probes were added to several combat types, including the Mirage 2000Hs, Jaguars and MiG-27Ms. The first of three Beriev A-50E AEW & C aircraft will be delivered in early 2008. The first aircraft was being fitted with an ELTA radar system in Tel Aviv, Israel, by IAI in early 2007. India is also continuing its indigenous AEW & C programme following the loss of the HAL 748 testbed equipped with a rotodome. The new radar is a beam-type unit developed by CABS in Bangalore. Two Embraer EMB-145s have been ordered to act as the platform for the new radar.
The heavy-lift Ilyushin Il-76MD Gajrajs are currently being equipped with an upgraded cockpit and removal of the tail turret position. A total of 24 Il-76MDs were delivered from 1985 to replace Antonov An-12s.
The mainstay of the IAF tactical transport fleet is the Antonov An-32 Sutlej. A plan to upgrade all 118 An-32s was under discussion in early 2007. If it goes ahead between 10 and 20 aircraft will be worked upon in Kiev, with HAL upgrading the rest of the fleet to allow the aircraft to serve on for a further 15 to 25 years.
In the long term the Multi-role Transport Aircraft (MTA) to be developed by HAL and Ilyushin is expected to replace the An-32. Production of the prototypes is expected to start in 2010, with the first flight scheduled for December 2011. The IAF is also expected to order six (and six options) stretched Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules to meet a requirement for a transport for the Indian special-forces.
HAL-assembled BAe 748s serve in the transport and VIP role. Several different versions are flown, including aircraft fitted with a side-loading freight door. Around 28 HAL-assembled Dornier Do 228s are used in the light transport role. Another 12 are due to join them in service.
Four Embraer Legacies were delivered to upgrade the VIP fleet of the Air Force Headquarters Communications Squadron (AFHQCS) from mid-2005. The fleet will be further improved with the arrival of three Boeing BBJs, the first of which made its maiden flight on November 14, 2006, prior to being fitted out with a VIP interior. The BBJs will be used to replace the Boeing 737-200s currently flown by the AFHQCS.
The IAF operates a large number of helicopters in support of the Indian Army. The mainstay of the battlefield transport fleet is the Mil Mi-8/17 Hip, of which over 250 have been delivered since 1971, just over half of which remain in service. The 2006 order for 80 Mil Mi-17-IV Hips will allow the IAF to replace some of its older Mi-8s when deliveries commence in early 2007. A small number of Hips are configured for VIP transport and assigned to headquarters units. A request for proposals for new VIP and VVIP helicopters was issued in September 2006 with a contract expected to be signed within two or three years.
Around 30 HAL Chetaks will be augmented by ten re-engined Chetans, although the new standard light helicopter will be the HAL Dhruv. As of February 2007 22 Dhruvs had been delivered to the Air Force for two units, including a training unit at Yelahanka that provides the helicopters and crews for the Sarang display team. The first example powered by the Shakti (RTM333) is due to be delivered to Air Force in 2008.
The IAF still operates the Mil Mi-24/35 Hind combat helicopters. In 1998 a deal was agreed with IAI for the modification of 25 Hinds with the Mission 24 upgrade kit. The upgrade improves operations at night as it provides the helicopter with a NVG compatible cockpit and a Tamam Helicopter Multi-mission Optronic Stablised Payload (HMOSP) system mounted under the nose.
Training Command undertakes all forms of training of the IAF, including pilots from primary to type conversion, other aircrew, ground personnel, and parachutist training. As such it operates a wide range of aircraft. All future IAF pilots attend the Air Force Academy. Prior to going to the Air Force Academy many prospective IAF pilots will have flown either in the Diamond HK-36TC Super Dimonas of the National Defence Academy or the Zenair CH601s of the National Cadet Force. Once at the Academy pilots progress from HAL HPT-32 Deepaks to HAL Kirans before being streamed for fast jets, multi-engined aircraft or helicopters. Future fast jet pilots complete training on MiG-21s with the MOFTU before being posted to an operation squadron.
A long drawn out competition for an advanced jet trainer eventually resulted in BAE Systems being awarded a contract to supply 24 Hawk Mk 132s and help establish a HAL production line to assembly another 42 aircraft. The first made its maiden flight on December 14, 2006, with deliveries expected to commence in 2007. When the aircraft enters service pilots will progress to it from the Kiran before going on to a combat type.
The HAL HJT-36 Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) is due to replace the Kiran, with around 100 expected to be purchased. The first prototype made its maiden flight in March 2003, but production will not commence until the Hawk programme has been completed.
Maintenance Command provides the IAF with logistical support in addition to overhauling its aircraft. The only aircraft directly assigned to it are a handful of VIP configured HAL 748s.
Although it is closely associated with the Indian Air Force, the Aviation Research Centre (ARC) is controlled by the Research and Analysis Wing, which is believed to report directly to the Cabinet Secretariat and the Prime Ministers Office in New Delhi. The ARC was established after the 1962 war with China initially to provide airlift support in the regions bordering China and Tibet. The roles expanded over the years to include long-range transport, SIGINT/ELINT collection and reconnaissance. To undertake its missions the ARC operates an eclectic collection of aircraft - some civil registered and many of which have been specially modified.
ref; AirForceIntel.com
to be continued...
