Indian Air Force Updates
[pib] Exercise Udara Shakti, 2024
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Udara Shakti, 2024
Why in the News?
The recent edition of Exercise Udara Shakti was recently concluded in Malaysia.
About Exercise Udara Shakti
- Udara Shakti is a bilateral air force exercise conducted between India and Malaysia.
- The primary objective of this exercise is to enhance military cooperation, improve mutual understanding, and share operational expertise.
Features of the Exercise
- Both India and Malaysia deploy their Sukhoi-30 fighter jets for the exercise, facilitating direct comparison and operational cooperation.
- A distinctive feature of this initiative is the HOP (Hands-On Participation) Exercise, where pilots from both nations swap aircraft.
- The Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) component focuses on sharing knowledge and skills in aviation and engineering specific to the Sukhoi-30 aircraft.
PYQ:[2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?
Select the answer using the code given below : (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 |
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Indian Air Force Updates
Tarang Shakti-2024: Indian Air Force’s First Multinational Air Exercise
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Tarang Shakti-2024, Red Flag Exercise
Why in the News?
- The Indian Air Force’s first multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024, will be held in August.
- It is inspired by the Red Flag exercise hosted by the US.
Tarang Shakti-2024
- Originally planned for late 2023, the exercise was postponed.
- The exercise will be conducted in two distinct phases:
- Phase One: Scheduled in southern India during the first two weeks of August.
- Phase Two: To be held in the western sector from late August to mid-September.
- Some countries will partake in both phases, facilitating comprehensive training scenarios, while others will engage in specific phases based on operational objectives.
- Confirmed Participants:
- Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, UAE, UK, USA, among others.
Red Flag Exercise
|
Significance of the Exercise
- The exercise provides a platform to showcase advanced military technologies and capabilities, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, and aerial refuelling systems.
- This enables participants to demonstrate their equipment’s effectiveness and interoperability in multinational settings.
- It would enhance regional stability and promote collective security in the Indo-Pacific region.
- It reinforces India’s role as a key partner in global security initiatives and strengthens diplomatic relations with participating countries.
PYQ:[2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?
Select the answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 |
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Indian Air Force Updates
All about India’s Indigenous Fifth-Gen Fighter Jet AMCA
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
Mains level: Fifth Generation Fighter Aircrafts and their combat capabilities
In the news
- The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved a Rs 15,000 crore project for the development of India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), marking a significant stride in indigenous defense capabilities.
About Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
- The AMCA project aims to design and manufacture a stealthy multirole fighter jet to bolster the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat fleet.
- It was first initiated in 2007.
- It is led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the DRDO.
Features of AMCA
- Stealth Technology: Equipped with advanced stealth features, the 25-tonne twin-engine aircraft will evade enemy radar detection, placing it on par with or even surpassing other fifth-generation stealth fighters globally.
- Fuel and Weapons Capacity: The aircraft will feature a concealed internal fuel tank with a capacity of 6.5 tonnes and an internal weapons bay for carrying a diverse range of weapons, including indigenous armaments.
- Engine Specifications: Initially powered by the US-built GE414 engine, the AMCA Mk2 variant will utilize a more powerful 110kN engine developed indigenously by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in collaboration with foreign defense partners.
- Specialized Design Features: The AMCA will incorporate innovative design elements such as a diverterless supersonic inlet and a serpentine air intake duct to optimize engine performance and minimize radar emissions.
Significance of the development
- Indigenous boost: AMCA project underscores India’s quest for self-reliance in defense technology, following its withdrawal from the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) collaboration with Russia in 2018.
- Stealth Advantages: As a fifth-generation fighter, the AMCA will possess low electromagnetic signature, enhancing survivability and lethality in modern combat scenarios.
- Enhanced Capabilities: With advanced sensors and weaponry, the AMCA will be capable of detecting and engaging enemy aircraft while remaining undetected, offering a significant advantage over fourth-generation counterparts.
Development Timeline and Prospects
- Flight Schedule: Following CCS approval, the ADA aims to conduct the first flight of the AMCA within four and a half to five years, with full development expected to span around a decade.
- Manufacturing Partnerships: HAL will undertake aircraft production, with private industry collaboration anticipated to expedite the manufacturing process.
- Operational Imperatives: The IAF’s requirement for seven squadrons of AMCA underscores its pivotal role in augmenting India’s air combat capabilities amid dwindling fighter squadron numbers.
Global Context and Future Prospects
- Limited Fifth-Generation Fleet: While countries like the US, China, and Russia possess fifth-generation stealth fighters, the AMCA will add India to this exclusive list, enhancing its strategic posture in the region.
- IAF’s Modernization Needs: Amidst retiring legacy aircraft, the induction of AMCA squadrons will address critical operational gaps, ensuring a potent air combat fleet for the future.
Conclusion
- The development of AMCA heralds a new era of indigenous defence manufacturing in India, underlining the nation’s commitment to technological advancement and military modernization.
- With its advanced capabilities and stealth features, the AMCA promises to be a game-changer in the realm of aerial warfare, reinforcing India’s position as a formidable force in the global defence arena.
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Indian Air Force Updates
SAMAR Air Defence System
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SAMAR Air Defence System
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In a major success for its in-house design and development efforts, the Indian Air Force has successfully testfired its SAMAR air defence missile system.
About SAMAR Air Defence System
| Details | |
| Full Name | Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation (SAMAR) |
| Type | Short-range air-defence system |
| Developed By | A unit under the IAF’s Maintenance Command |
| Range | 10–12 km |
| Target | Low-flying aerial targets |
| Speed | Missiles operating at a speed range of 2 to 2.5 Mach |
| Key Features | – Uses existing inventory of Vympel R-73E missiles
– Twin-turret launch platform – Capable of single and salvo modes |
| Role in Defence | Supplementing IAF’s Akash and SPYDER systems, replacing older systems like Pechora and OSA-AK |
| Deployment | Not specified |
https://www.hindustantimes.com/videos/world-news/indian-missile-shield-against-potential-threats-from-pak-china-iaf-samar-system-in-action-101702815648038.html
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Indian Air Force Updates
C-295 Transport Aircraft: All you need to know
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: C-295
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- In a significant milestone, the Indian Air Force (IAF) received its inaugural C-295 transport aircraft during a ceremony held in Seville, Spain.
- IAF’s fleet of C-295s is set to become the largest globally, with an initial order for 56 aircraft.
About C-295
- The C-295MW is a transport aircraft with a carrying capacity ranging from 5 to 10 tonnes.
- It can accommodate up to 71 troops or 49 para-troopers, offering significant flexibility.
- The aircraft boasts a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots, ensuring rapid deployment.
- Its exceptional low-level flight characteristics enable tactical missions, even at slow speeds as low as 110 knots.
- The C-295 is equipped with a rear ramp door, facilitating swift troop and cargo deployments.
- Each aircraft is outfitted with an indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Limited.
- Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines propel the aircraft.
- The C-295 exhibits short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, enabling the use of unprepared airstrips.
Significance of the aircraft
- India’s entry into aircraft production will place it among a select group of nations with the capability to manufacture C-295 aircraft.
- This group includes countries like the US, UK, Russia, France, Italy, Spain, Ukraine, Brazil, China, and Japan.
- The project will stimulate India’s aerospace ecosystem, involving numerous MSMEs across the country in the manufacturing of aircraft components.
- This includes areas of strategic importance, such as the border with China and the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
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Indian Air Force Updates
India to buy Rafale Marine Jet from France
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rafale fighter jets
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- DAC Approval for Rafale: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared proposals to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets and three Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy.
Rafale Marine Fighter Jets
- Naval Variant: Rafale Marine fighters are the naval version of the Rafale jets, with the Indian Air Force operating 36 of them.
- Advanced Multirole Fighters: Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the Rafales are advanced twin-engine, multirole fighter jets equipped with modern sensors, radar, and the latest weapon systems.
- India-Specific Enhancements: The jets feature India-specific enhancements and have the capability to carry out various missions.
- Differences in Marine Version: The naval variant has foldable wings, a longer airframe for carrier landings, a tail hook for arrested landing, and reinforced landing gear suitable for aircraft carriers’ conditions.
- Expanded Weapon Capabilities: Rafale Marine jets can carry a wider range of weapons, including anti-ship and air-to-surface missiles, and have specialized radar for maritime operations.
Current Fleet and Need for Additional Fighters
- MiG-29Ks: The Indian Navy currently operates MiG-29Ks from INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier, which are carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft.
- Procurement Requirement: With some MiG-29Ks expected to retire in a decade and the Navy having two operational carriers, additional deck-based fighters were needed to meet operational requirements until the indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) is developed.
- Criteria and Selection: Only Boeing’s F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet and Dassault Aviation’s Rafale-M met the Navy’s criteria, with Rafale-M having an advantage due to common spares and support with the Indian Air Force’s Rafale jets.
Export and Usage of Rafale Jets
- Importance for France: The Rafale is a key component of France’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
- Orders and Deliveries: France has ordered a total of 192 Rafales, with 153 already delivered by the end of 2022.
- Future Orders: Plans for a further order of 30 fighters and additional Rafales to offset those sold to Greece and Croatia are in the pipeline.
- Flight and Operational Hours: The aircraft has accumulated a total of 405,000 flight hours, including 63,500 operational hours flown by French pilots since 2007.
Conclusion
- The Rafale Marine jets, with their advanced features and expanded weapon capabilities, will strengthen the Navy’s deck-based fighter fleet.
- This procurement decision marks another step towards bolstering India’s defense preparedness and self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
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Indian Air Force Updates
India to procure MQ-9 Predator Drones
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Predator Drones
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of armed Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at the cost of over $3 billion.
- The UAVs will be procured from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), a United States-based aeronautics company.
Predator Drones: An Overview
- The Predator UAV, manufactured by GA-ASI, is known as the MQ-9.
- It has an endurance of over 27 hours, speeds of 240 KTAS, and can operate up to 50,000 feet.
- It has a payload capacity of 3,850 pounds (1,746 kilograms) and can carry external stores of up to 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms).
Benefits and Capabilities of the MQ-9 UAV
- The MQ-9 UAV has a higher payload capacity and horsepower compared to its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator.
- It provides long endurance, persistent surveillance, and strike capability for the warfighter.
- The maritime variant of the MQ-9 UAV, known as Sea Guardian, has an endurance of over 30 hours.
Enhancing Indian Armed Forces’ Capabilities
- The procurement of MQ-9 UAVs will enhance the Indian Armed Forces’ Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
- These high-altitude, long-endurance drones will be able to carry out intelligence collection, strike strategic targets in mountains and maritime domains, and support various military operations.
- Indian Armed Forces are expected to receive a total of 31 MQ-9s, with 15 for the Navy and eight each for the Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Previous Use of MQ-9 UAVs by India
- In the aftermath of the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, the Indian Navy had leased two MQ-9 UAVs, and the lease has since been extended.
- The leased UAVs have completed 10,000 flight hours and have significantly contributed to the Indian Navy’s operations.
International Usage of MQ-9 UAVs
- The MQ-9 UAV has been acquired by various countries, including the United States Air Force, Department of Homeland Security, NASA, Royal Air Force, Italian Air Force, French Air Force, and Spanish Air Force.
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Indian Air Force Updates
Project Akashteer: Indian’s Air Defence Upgrade
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project Akashteer
Mains level: Advanced Air Defence Technologies
Central Idea
- Reorientation of focus: Indian Army shifts focus from western to northern borders following 2020 standoff with China.
- Lessons from Ukraine conflict: Insights from ongoing war in Ukraine are influencing transformation of Army Air Defence (AAD).
- Induction of new systems: New systems are being inducted to enhance air defence capabilities.
What is Project Akashteer?
- Networking and automation: Project Akashteer aims to establish networking and automation capabilities similar to Indian Air Force’s system.
- Comprehensive air defence picture: Project Akashteer focuses on building a comprehensive air defence picture for monitoring, tracking, and engaging air defence assets.
- Implementation target: The project aims to complete implementation by March 2024 for integration of radars, control centres, and weapons.
Shifting Focus and New Technology
- Shift in focus: Indian Army shifts focus from western border to northern borders.
- Mountainous air defence requirements: The need for lightweight radars and mobile weapon systems to cater to requirements in mountainous regions.
- Consideration of new threats: Insights from Ukraine conflict prompt consideration of new threats such as UAVs, loitering munitions, swarm drones, and cruise missiles.
Induction of New Systems
- Improved Akash surface-to-air missile systems: Contract signed for two regiments of improved Akash systems to enhance air defence capabilities.
- Collaboration with Israel: Collaboration with Israel for the induction of medium-range surface-to-air missile project.
- Development of quick reaction systems: Indigenously developing quick reaction surface-to-air missile (QRSAM) to meet critical air defence needs.
- Exploration of air defence guns: Ongoing efforts to procure air defence guns to strengthen air defence capabilities.
Challenges and Indigenization
- Component shortage: Global shortage of components and hardware due to the Ukraine conflict affecting the pace of inductions.
- Emphasis on indigenization: Focus on promoting indigenization and reducing dependence on imports for air defence systems.
- Revitalization of modernization: Revival of Army Air Defence modernization with emphasis on indigenous development and procurement.
Significance of the project
- Strengthened air defence capabilities: Focus on enhancing air defence capabilities for robust border security.
- Improved monitoring and coordination: Integration and automation initiatives enhance monitoring, coordination, and situational awareness.
- Enhanced border preparedness: Contribution to enhanced border preparedness and response capabilities.
Way forward
- Continued research and development: Focus on continuous research and development to stay ahead of evolving threats and challenges.
- International collaboration: Collaboration with international partners to incorporate advanced air defence systems and technologies.
- Integration of advanced technologies: Integration of technologies like AI and machine learning to enhance air defence operations and effectiveness.
- Innovation and efficiency: Focus on innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness in future air defence strategies.
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Indian Air Force Updates
India’s Fighter Jet Conundrum
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Modernization of IAF
Central idea: The article discusses the challenges faced by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in modernizing its fighter jet fleet due to unending delays in procurement and limited resources.
Why discuss this?
- Against the sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons, the IAF has only 31 squadrons today.
- And this number is expected to remain the same or even decrease by 2029.
- The IAF representative informed the Parliamentary standing committee that the shortfall may not be accomplished anytime soon.
Indian Air Force (IAF): A quick backgrounder
- The IAF was established in 1932, and it played an important role in India’s defence during World War II and later in the 1947-48 Kashmir War.
- It underwent modernization in the 1960s and 70s with the induction of new aircraft and weapons systems.
- Since then, the IAF has grown to become one of the largest air forces in the world, with a significant role to play in India’s defence and security.
Evolution of the IAF
Key Events |
|
| Pre-Independence Phase | – Small organization with only six officers and 19 airmen
– Played a crucial role in World War II and the 1947-48 Kashmir War |
| 1947-1962 Phase | – Expansion and modernization of the IAF
– Acquisition of new aircraft and weapons systems |
| 1962-1980 Phase | – Involvement in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars
– Modernization with the induction of new aircraft and missiles |
| 1980-Present Phase | – Further modernization with the acquisition of new aircraft, missiles, and weapons systems
– Focus on enhancing operational readiness |
Current Status of the IAF
- Large workforce: The IAF has around 1,500 aircraft and 140,000 personnel, making it one of the largest air forces in the world.
- Fleet details: The IAF has a sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons, but the current strength stands at 31 squadrons.
- Victorious wars: It has played an essential role in various conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars and the Kargil conflict in 1999.
- HADR operation: It has also been involved in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, such as the 2004 tsunami and the 2013 Uttarakhand floods.
Challenges faced
The IAF faces multiple challenges in the 21st century.
- Decommissioning aircraft: By the end of the decade, many of the Jaguars, Mirage-2000s, and Mig-29s will begin going out, which is why the decision on Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) is essential to arrest this drawdown.
- Arsenal shortages: The IAF faces a shortage of fighter aircraft, which is a significant concern given the current geopolitical environment.
- Selective modernization: One of the critical issues is modernization, which includes the upgrading of its aircraft and weapons systems.
- Diverse threat: The IAF also needs to ensure operational readiness to address the changing nature of warfare, which involves non-state actors, asymmetrical warfare, and cyber threats.
- Logistic fallouts: Furthermore, the IAF needs to improve its logistics and infrastructure to support its operations effectively.
- Maintenance challenges: There is a slow synergy with vendors for ‘long-term spares and repair contracts’.
Opportunities for the IAF
There are several opportunities for the IAF to enhance its capabilities in the modern era.
- Modernization: The acquisition of new aircraft, weapons systems, and technologies can significantly enhance the IAF’s combat capabilities.
- Joint cooperation: Additionally, the IAF can improve its international cooperation with other air forces to gain experience and enhance its interoperability.
- UAV induction: The IAF can also explore the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat roles.
- Indigenization: The IAF is emphasizing the need for indigenization of its fighter jet production via LCA and Fifth Gen fighter aircraft program.
Challenges in fleet modernisation
- Procurement delay: The IAF faces significant challenges in modernizing its fleet due to delays in procurement and limited resources.
- R&D, Infra bottlenecks: Implementing indigenization is a complex process that involves significant investment in research and development, infrastructure, and human capital.
- Others: Other challenges include a lack of skilled labour, limited funding, and the need for technology transfer from foreign partners.
Way forward
- The IAF needs to prioritize the acquisition of MRFA, focus on increasing the availability rates of the Su-30, and invest in its own industry to achieve self-reliance in the long term.
- Effective collaboration between industry, government, and the armed forces is crucial for the success of indigenization efforts in the defence sector.
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Indian Air Force Updates
Exercise INIOCHOS-23
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INIOCHOS-23
Mains level: NA
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will be participating in a multi-national air exercise called Exercise INIOCHOS-23, which will be hosted by the Greece Air Force.
Ex. INIOCHOS-23
- Exercise INIOCHOS-23 will be conducted at the Andravida Air Base in Greece.
- The IAF will be participating with four Su-30 MKI and two C-17 aircraft.
- The objective of the exercise is to enhance international cooperation, synergy, and interoperability among the participating Air Forces, as stated by the IAF in a statement.
Strategic significance
- The exercise will be conducted in a realistic combat scenario involving multiple types of air and surface assets
- This will provide valuable insight into each other’s best practices and enable the participating contingents to interact professionally.
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Indian Air Force Updates
Exercise Cope India 23
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Cope India 23
Mains level: NA
The Indian Air Force (IAF) fighters, including Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Rafale, SU-30MKI, and Jaguars, are set to participate in bilateral air Exercise Cope India 23 with US Air Force (USAF) F-15 fighters and B-1B long-range bombers.
Exercise Cope India
- Cope India began in 2004 as a fighter training exercise held at Air Station Gwalior.
- The exercise has evolved to incorporate subject matter expert exchanges, air mobility training, airdrop training and large-force exercises, in addition to fighter-training exercises.
- The exercise was last held in 2009.
- The exercise showcases US and India’s efforts and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Highlights of the 2023 version
- The exercise will be conducted in two phases, with the first phase practicing the air-mobility component involving transport aircraft of both countries.
- The IAF element will include the Su-30MKI, Rafale, Tejas, and Jaguar fighter aircraft, while Japan is taking part in the exercise as an observer.
- The second phase of the exercise will witness the participation of B-1B bombers of USAF, and F-15 fighter aircraft of the USAF will join the exercise subsequently, according to an IAF statement.
- The exercise will be supported by aerial refuellers, Airborne Warning and Control System, and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft of the IAF.
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Indian Air Force Updates
[pib] Exercise Cobra Warrior
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Cobra Warrior
Mains level: Not Much
IAF contingent comprising to participate in Exercise Cobra Warrior at the Waddington Air Force Base of the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom.
Exercise Cobra Warrior
- Cobra Warrior is a multinational military exercise that takes place annually in the United Kingdom.
- It is designed to improve the readiness and interoperability of the Royal Air Force and allied air forces for joint combat operations.
- The exercise brings together military units from different countries, including NATO allies and partner nations, to practice and enhance their air combat capabilities.
- During the exercise, the participating air forces conduct a series of realistic training scenarios that simulate air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attacks, and other mission types.
- The aim is to provide pilots and ground crews with realistic training experiences to help prepare them for real-world combat situations.
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Indian Air Force Updates
Dwindling fighter strength of the IAF
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Issues with IAF, Defense modernization
In a tragic accident, a MIG-21 trainer jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in Rajasthan killing both the high-ranked officer pilots onboard.
What is the status of the MIG-21 jets in the IAF?
- The MIG-21 was inducted into the IAF in the early 1960s and since then more than 800 variants of the supersonic fighter were inducted into service.
- It remained the frontline fighter jet of the force for a long time.
- During this period, there were over 400 accidents involving the jet which claimed the lives of around 200 pilots.
Nature of service
- Currently, there are four MIG-21 squadrons in service consisting of the upgraded Bison variant.
- IAF officials have stated that there is technical life still left in them.
- There are only four squadrons of the MIG-21 aircraft.
Why use outdated aircraft?
- With delays in new inductions, the IAF has been forced to continue the last four MIG-21 Bison squadrons in service.
- One squadron is set to be phased out in the next few months, while the remaining three squadrons are planned to be phased out in the next three years.
- This phase-out was worked out much before last week’s tragic incident.
What is the present fighter strength of the IAF?
- The IAF has an authorized strength of 42 fighter squadrons.
- As time passes, the drawdown is increasing as the total technical life is completed.
- However, the rate of new inductions is not matching the drawdown, depleting the overall number of fighter squadrons.
- Additionally, several frontline aircraft in the inventory including the Jaguars, and MIG-29s will begin phasing out by the end of the decade.
- For instance, by 2027-28 the first of the MIG-29s, inducted in the late 1980s, will start going out.
New squadrons to be inducted
- In the last few years, the IAF has inducted two squadrons of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and two squadrons of Rafale fighter jets procured from France which pushed the squadron strength to 32.
- In January 2021, the IAF had signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 83 of the more advanced LCA MK-1A which it will start receiving from early 2024 onwards.
- Along with that the to-be-acquired 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) will help arrest the drawdown.
- A larger and even more capable LCA-MK2, as well as the fifth generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), are under development.
- However, their availability in enough numbers will take some time.
Inherent limitations to the IAF
- Hardware/Technological Challenges: Technology is at the core of an air force – acquiring and assimilating it is our primary challenge. The lack of it curtails national options, impacting postures and doctrines. Denial and selective availability of technology are all enmeshed in international relations.
- Maintenance Challenges: Maintenance challenges determine how long aircrafts last and their cost-effectiveness. ‘Maintainability’, which includes logistical issues, is therefore, crucial.
- Relying on Upgrades: IAF is badly in need of new Fighter Aircraft to compete with new 5th generation Modern jets. At current there are old aircraft and it is mostly dependant on Super Manoeuvrable Modern Generation Fighter Jet Su 30 MKI.
- Delaying of Aircraft Delivery: The current order of IAF the Rafale is expected to be completed in 2024. The LCA Tejas of HAL has now produced 21 but still it has to manufacture in more number to replace the retiring MIG 21 BISON.
Roadmap to shore up fighter strength
- No easy roadmap: The IAF has acknowledged that they will not be able to achieve the desired strength for the time being and that they are doing the best they can.
- Indigenous aircraft: In addition to the indigenous aircraft coming up, the IAF is confident that increasing the low availability rates of Su-30 and other fighters in service will offset some of the shortfalls in the interim.
- Offsets of war: This could be potentially impacted due to the war in Ukraine even though officials have said that they are assessing the impact of the war and western sanctions.
Way forward
- Air power is becoming technologically more refined with unmanned platforms, cyber-space linkages and AI advances.
- The inherent trans-border nature of this military capability needs astute professional and political husbanding.
- Acquiring credible aerospace power with a meaningful degree of indigenization will need a greater degree of national resolve, professional integrity and resource allocation than is the case now.
- China has demonstrated the degree of suasion and intimidation that airpower can bring to bear in relation to Taiwan.
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Indian Air Force Updates
Ex Vayu Shakti 2022
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Vayu Shakti
Mains level: NA
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to postpone its firepower demonstration, Ex Vayu Shakti, scheduled in the Pokhran ranges in Rajasthan.
Exercise Vayu Shakti
- It is conducted once in three years which is participated by fighters, helicopters, force enablers and support systems.
- The aim of the exercise is to detect and identify targets and neutralise them in day, dusk and night capability demonstrations.
- The Indian Air Force showcases repower capability of indigenously developed aircrafts and its missile arsenal in this exercise.
- Fighter aircraft including Jaguar, Rafale, Sukhoi-30, MIG-29, light combat aircraft Tejas, MIG-21 Bison, Hawk 32, M200 participates in the exercise.
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Indian Air Force Updates
Challenges facing Indian Air Force
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tejas LCA
Mains level: Paper 3- Challenges ahead for Indian Air Force
Context
A host of challenges greets India’s new Air Chief.
Challenges
- The challenges include the rewiring of India’s military into new theatre commands, the reservations expressed by the IAF about its “support” role and the visible depletion in operational air assets due to obsolescence and lack of new platforms.
- The decline in platforms is stark and from a strength of 42 combat squadrons in 2002, the IAF now operates barely 30.
- This shortfall in numbers would remain through this decade.
- Even as there are plans to create new theatre commands and allocate existing air assets to the new formations, the depletion in numbers merits urgent review.
Steps taken
- The purchase of 83 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) will be a fillip even as the sturdy MIGs are finally phased out.
- In the next decade, the IAF hopes to induct the indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) — a new platform that would be built in India with a foreign entity, the “original equipment manufacturer” (OEM), and thereby move up to 35 squadrons.
- Issues: The AMCA is “under design” and India’s track record in the design and manufacture of indigenous fighter aircraft is cost- and time-intensive.
- As regards the MRFA, the request for information for 114 jets has just been issued.
- The Rafale experience and the long delays associated with it would suggest that speedy selection of an OEM will be elusive.
Way forward
- Air power is becoming technologically more refined with unmanned platforms, cyber-space linkages and AI advances.
- The inherent trans-border nature of this military capability needs astute professional and political husbanding.
- Acquiring credible aerospace power with a meaningful degree of indigenisation will need a greater degree of national resolve, professional integrity and resource allocation than is the case now.
- China has demonstrated the degree of suasion and intimidation that airpower can bring to bear in relation to Taiwan.
Conclusion
A reality check about the quantity and quality of India’s air power and the roles it can undertake should precede its disaggregation to theatre commands in the run-up to India@75.
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Indian Air Force Updates
Theatre Command under Chief of Defence Staff is not a good idea
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CDS
Mains level: Paper 3- Issues with creation of theatre commands
Context
The government is reportedly planning to re-organise the military into a theatre command under the chief of defence staff (CDS) in which the assets of the Air Force will be split into four and distributed among four operational theatres.
Background of the creation of CDS
- In 2012, the Naresh Chandra Committee suggested the creation of a CDS, which would take on overall functions of the chairman, chiefs of committee as well as the responsibilities pertaining to centralised planning, induction, training, intelligence and logistics.
- Operations, according to the committee’s suggestion, would continue to be managed by the respective chiefs of staff.
- However, sometime in 2016-17, this idea was modified to organise the operational assets of the three services into four theatre commands, all of which are now proposed to be brought under the CDS.
Issues with creating theatre command by dividing Air Force
- Professional leadership is critical in support elements: The Air Chief’s professional leadership of the Air Force is crucial to orchestrate a variety of support elements like aerial tankers, AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control Systems), AEW, Heliborne support and UAVs in an “offensive operation”.
- Lack of in-dept understanding: A land theatre command, if given power over the air elements, may not have the confidence to launch such a mission because of the lack of in-depth understanding of the organisational complexity and the risks involved.
- Dilution of assets may harm effectiveness: Dilution of the combat assets of the Air Force, a 30-squadron force consisting of five or six types of aircraft, might severely affect mission-effectiveness.
- Role of CDS: It is extremely doubtful if the CDS can cope with the enhanced responsibilities that include operations, albeit through the theatre commanders.
- That would leave only training, maintenance, and support under the chiefs of staff — a gross under-utilisation of the operational leadership built over 40 years.
- Resource limitations: Forming a separate air defence command for the air defence of the entire nation seems an impractical idea considering our resource limitations.
- Current arrangement functioned effortlessly: The current arrangement of a decentralised air defence organisation managed by Air Force geographical commands has functioned faultlessly.
- Flexibility: The existing structures afford better flexibility.
- There will be significant expenditure to construct the operational infrastructure of the theatre commands.
- Timing: We are trying to effect changes at a time the military is deployed actively.
- The Chinese have dug in hard, and we do not yet know their strategy.
- To divide the Air Force into four units at this moment is inadvisable.
Way forward
- White paper: There is no white paper on the advantages of the theatre commands or one listing the merits of the CDS donning the mantle of the operational head of the entire military operation.
- So, a white paper on these aspects could clear the air over the utilities of such moves.
- Joint planning is a must, but operations are best undertaken by individual services who know what other services are doing and when.
Conclusion
Splitting the asset of the Air Force would result in dilution of its power and is not advisable at the current juncture.
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Indian Air Force Updates
[pib] Exercise Desert Flag-VI
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ex Desert Flag
Mains level: NA
Exercise Desert Flag –VI has successfully culminated with the de-induction of the Indian contingent from the UAE.
Ex Desert Flag
- It is an annual multi-lateral large force employment exercise hosted by UAE.
- The sixth edition of the exercise was conducted at Air Force Base Al Dhafra, UAE.
- IAF participated in the exercise for the first time, fielding Su-30MKI fighter aircraft.
- Six countries; UAE, USA, France, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain apart from India participated with aerial assets. Jordan, Greece, Qatar, Egypt and South Korea participated as observer forces.
Objective of the exercise
- The aim for the participating crew and specialist observers was to expose them to operational environment in scenarios requiring multinational forces working together.
- A multinational exercise in UAE with friendly forces afforded a unique opportunity to gain valuable learning to all the participating forces.
Must read:
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Indian Air Force Updates
[pib] Exercise Desert Knight-21
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Desert Knight-21
Mains level: India-France defence cooperation
Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force will conduct a bilateral Air exercise, Ex Desert Knight-21 at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
All-time generic question seeking ‘match the pairs’ can be asked from the news as such. Click here for more exercises.
Ex. Desert Knight-21
- The French side will participate with Rafale, Airbus A-330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), A-400M Tactical Transport aircraft and approximately 175 personnel.
- The IAF aircraft participating in the exercise will include Mirage 2000, Su-30 MKI, Rafale, IL-78 Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS and AEW&C aircraft.
- The exercise marks an important milestone in the series of engagements between the two Air forces.
- As part of Indo-French defence cooperation, Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force have held six editions of Air Exercises named ‘Garuda’, the latest being in 2019.
- Presently, the French detachment for Ex Desert Knight-21 is deployed in Asia as part of their ‘Skyros Deployment’ and will ferry in forces to Air Force Station Jodhpur.
Why it is special?
- The exercise is unique as it includes fielding of Rafale aircraft by both sides and is indicative of the growing interaction between the two premiers Air Forces.
- It will put into practice operational experience gained across terrains and spectrums and endeavour to exchange ideas and best practices to enhance interoperability.
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Indian Air Force Updates
[pib] IAF to induct LCA Tejas
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: LCA Tejas
Mains level: Not Much
The Union Cabinet has approved procurement of 73 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft and 10 LCA Tejas Mk-1 Trainer aircraft for Indian Air Force.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2018:
Q.What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea
LCA Tejas
- The Tejas is an Indian single-engine, fourth-generation, multirole light fighter aircraft.
- It is designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- It came from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, which began in the 1980s to replace India’s ageing MiG-21 fighters.
- The indigenous content of the Tejas was 59.7% by value and 75.5% by a number of lines replaceable units.
Which are the procured variants?
- Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A variant is an indigenously designed, developed and manufactured state-of-the-art modern 4+ generation fighter aircraft.
- It is the first “Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)” category procurement of combat aircraft.
Significance
- Tejas enable IAF to handle repairs or servicing at their base depot so that the turnaround time would get reduced for mission-critical systems.
- This would enable IAF to sustain the fleet more efficiently and effectively due to the availability of repair infrastructure at respective bases.
- It will give a further push to Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and boost indigenization of defence production and the defence industry in the country.
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Indian Air Force Updates
Dassault Rafale Fighter Jets
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rafale, Hammer
Mains level: India's arsenal
The five Rafale fighter jets that landed in Ambala will resurrect the Number 17 Golden Arrows squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Try this PYQ from CSP 2018:
Q.What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea
Dassault Rafale
(Refer image for specifications)
- The state-of-the-art 4.5 Generation Rafale jet can reach almost double the speed of sound, with a top speed of 1.8 Mach.
- With its multi-role capabilities, including electronic warfare, air defence, ground support and in-depth strikes, the Rafale lends air superiority to the Indian Air Force.
Armed with modern arms
- Each aircraft has 14 storage stations for weapons. The jets come with one of the most advanced Meteor air-to-air missiles.
- The 190-kg missile has a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) of over 100 km, travelling at a top speed of Mach 4.
- The Rafale jets also come with SCALP, the air-to-ground cruise missile with a range over 300 km. It is a long-range deep strike missile.
- The MICA air-to-air missile on Rafale is for both, close-quarter dogfights, and for BVR.
- IAF has also asked for HAMMER (Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range), which is an air-to-ground precision-guided missile that can be used against bunker-type hardened targets within the range of 70 km.
What is so special about Rafale fighter jet?
- India in September 2016 inked a direct deal with the French government to purchase 36 new Rafale fighter jets in a 7.87 billion euro deal that is likely to bring major work to the Indian private sector in terms of offsets under the make in India policy.
- The Rafale deal for 36 jets includes over 3 billion euros of work for the Indian industry over the next 7-8 years.This has a huge potential to develop direct and indirect employment opportunities.
- High-end technology like engine know-how, major structural assembly is also likely in India, besides a chunk of avionics work.
- India will also get latest weapons like the Meteor and Scalp missiles as part of the contract, besides a 5 year support package that assures high availability of the fighter.
- India will pay a 15 % advance and deliveries are to start in three years.
India Specific enhancements
The Rafale deal caters to specific Indian air force needs. The fighter jet will be modified by France to meet the following:
- Helmet mounted sights and targeting system to give the pilots lightening quick ability to shoot off weapons.
- Ability to taken off from high altitude airbases like Leh on a ‘cold start’ – for quick reaction deployment
- radar warning receiver to identify hostile tracking systems
- A towed decoy system to thwart incoming missile attacks
- French industrial support for fighter for 50 years
VITAL Stats
- 7.87 billion Euro: Deal cost. This includes weapon systems, five year support, training, infrastructure and warranties. 15% to be paid in advance.
- 91.7 million euros: as per contract, if other costs like weapons, training etc not counted, per unit price of single seat Rafale is 91.7 million euros
- 75 % availability: French side will ensure that at any given point, at least 75 percent of the fleet is combat worthy. Failing which, heavy penalities to be invoked.
- 67 months delivery: All aircraft ordered to be delivered within 67 months with first one coming in by 36 months
- 50% offsets: Indian industry to get major boost as French side will invest half of deal value in Make in India products or technology transfer. Indian Partners to be firmed up within a year.
- 328 million Euros: Saved by negotiation efforts by the Indian side on the Rafale deal, according to defence ministry sources.
- 28/8: according to deal, India to get 28 single seater jets and 8 twin seaters for training.
For an edge over China
- While China’s J20 Chengdu jets are called fifth-generation combat jets, compared to 4.5 generation Rafale, the J20 have no actual combat experience.
- Whereas the Rafale is combat proven, having been used by the French Air Force for its missions in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali.
- It has also been used for missions in Central African Republic, Iraq and Syria. Rafale can also carry more fuel and weapons than the J20.
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Indian Air Force Updates
What is the ‘Sonic Boom’ that rattled Bengaluru city?
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sonic Boom, Mach Number
Mains level: India's missile programme
The ‘loud sound’ heard in Bengaluru a few days back, which puzzled lakhs of city dwellers, was revealed to have emanated from an IAF test flight involving a supersonic profile. The sonic boom was probably heard while the IAF aircraft was decelerating from supersonic to subsonic speed between 36,000 and 40000 feet altitude.
Note:
We often get to hear about updates in India’s missile programme. UPSC may ask a basic physics question asking fundamental differences between various Mach number and its differences.
What is a ‘sonic boom’?
- Sound travels in the form of waves which are emitted outwards from its source.
- In air, the speed of these waves depends on a number of factors, such as the temperature of the air and altitude.
- When an aircraft travels at supersonic speed – meaning faster than sound (>1225 kmph at sea level) – the field of sound waves moves to the back of the craft.
- A stationary observer thus hears no sound when a supersonic flight approaches since the sound waves are at the rear of the latter.
- At such speeds, both newly created as well as old waves, are forced into a region at the aircraft’s rear called a ‘Mach cone’, which extends from the craft and intercepts the Earth in a hyperbola-shaped curve, and leaves a trail called the ‘boom carpet’.
- The loud sound that is heard on the Earth when this happens is called a ‘sonic boom’ (resembles bomb-blast sound).
Impacts
- When such aircraft fly at a low altitude, the sonic boom can become intense enough to cause the glass to crack or cause health hazards.
- Overland supersonic flights have thus been banned in many countries.
Supersonic flights
- In 1947, the American military pilot Chuck Yeager became the first to breach the sound barrier, flying the Bell X-1 aircraft at 1127 kmph.
- Since then, many supersonic flights have followed, with advanced designs allowing speeds of over Mach 3, or three times the speed of sound.
- According to the IAF website, India’s fastest jets include the Sukhoi SU-30 MKI (Mach 2.35) and the Mirage-2000 (Mach 2.3).
Back2Basics: Traverse of sound
- From a stationary source, such as a television set, sound waves travel outwards in concentric spheres of growing radii.
- When the source of sound is moving – e.g, a truck– the successive waves in front of the truck get closer together, and the ones behind it spread out.
- This is also the cause of the Doppler effect– in which bunched waves at the front appear at a higher frequency to a stationary observer, and spread out waves that are behind are observed at a lower frequency.
- As long as the source of the sound keeps moving slower than the speed of sound itself, this source– say a truck or a plane – remains nested within the sound waves that are travelling in all directions.
Mach number
- The ratio of the speed of the aircraft to the speed of sound in the gas determines the magnitude of many of the compressibility effects.
- Because of the importance of this speed ratio, aerodynamicists have designated it with a special parameter called the Mach number in honour of Ernst Mach, a late 19th-century physicist who studied gas dynamics.
- Subsonic conditions occur for Mach numbers less than one, M < 1.
- As the speed of the object approaches the speed of sound, the flight Mach number is nearly equal to one, M = 1, and the flow is said to be transonic.
- Supersonic conditions occur for Mach numbers greater than one, 1 < M < 3.
- For speeds greater than five times the speed of sound, M > 5, the flow is said to be hypersonic.
- The Space Shuttle re-enters the atmosphere at high hypersonic speeds, M ~ 25. Under these conditions, the heated air becomes ionized plasma of gas and the spacecraft must be insulated from the high temperatures.
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Indian Air Force Updates
Exercise Pitch Black 2020
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Pitch Black 2020
Mains level: NA
Australia has informed India that their premier multilateral air combat training exercise Pitch Black 2020 scheduled in July has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 situation.
All-time generic question seeking ‘match the pairs’ can be asked from the news as such. Click here for more exercises.
Ex Pitch Black 2020
- Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
- The aim of the exercise is to practice Offensive Counter Air (OCA) and Defensive Counter Air (DCA) combat, in a simulated war environment.
- In the last edition of Pitch Black in 2018, the IAF for the first time participated with its Su-30MKI fighters, one C-130 and one C-17 transport aircraft.
- It provided a unique opportunity for an exchange of knowledge and experience with these nations in a dynamic warfare environment.
- The next edition of Pitch Black is scheduled in 2022.
India’s defence relation with Australia
- The defence and strategic engagement with Australia have steadily gone up in recent years especially on the bilateral front with naval cooperation at the forefront.
- The bilateral naval exercise AUSINDEX early last year saw the participation of the largest Australian contingent ever to India with over 1,000 personnel.
- The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) has been long pending and is expected to be concluded soon as well as a broader maritime cooperation agreement including the Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) to elevate the existing strategic partnership.
- Australia recently made a pitch for trilateral cooperation among India, Australia and Indonesia to identify new ways that our three countries can collaborate to be the best possible custodians of the Indian Ocean.
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Indian Air Force Updates
[pib] Exercise Indradhanush
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ex. Indradhanush
Mains level: Not Much
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Air Force (RAF) jointly commenced the fifth edition of Exercise Indradhanush at Air Force Station Hindan.
Ex. Indradhanush
- It is a joint air force exercise conducted by the Royal Air Force (RAF) of United Kingdom and the Indian Air Force (IAF) being held since 2006.
- The exercise is tasked to enhance mutual operational understanding between the two air forces via close interaction.
- The focus of this edition of the exercise is ‘Base Defence and Force Protection’.
- This theme is of significance considering the recent threats to military establishments from terror elements.
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