Rebuilding IAF for future wars: More Rafels, Tejas Mk-2, AMCA needed

 

Indian Airforce has played an important role in guarding India for decades. From time to time, it has showcased its importance ranging from Indo-Pak wars to Bangladesh’s independence war to Kargil war. A few years back, IAF’s prowess could also be seen through Balakot Surgical Strike that was done in POK to destroy terrorist training camps.

But with passage of time, IAF’s fighter squadrons have gone down. Against the required 42 squads, IAF has only 32 squads which is a cause of concern keeping our two unfriendly neighbours China & Pakistan in mind. IAF was supposed to acquire over 100 new fighter jets over a decade ago but lack of signing of deal & the long new fighter jet assessment process resulted in not acquiring any new jets in large numbers.

Rafale 

The present Modi govt. did buy 36 new Rafale jets from France but that is not enough. The MRFA tender hasn’t been signed yet, under which 114 new fighter jets are going to be acquired. Once this is done, it will help raise 6 new squads for IAF. Thus, bringing the total squad strength to 38. The rest of the 7 squads can be filled by Tejas Mk-2 fighters & later by AMCA (5th gen. fighter). Hopefully the MRFA tender for 114 new fighter jets should be signed soon this year after the annual elections are held.


Tejas Mk-1A

These jets are necessary for IAF as China is inducting new fighter planes of different types ranging from interceptors to multi-role to 5th gen. jets. China’s PLA Airforce is equipped with modern 4th gen. jets like J-10, J-11, J-15 & J-20, the last being a stealth jet. In the current scenario, they have an edge over IAF which is a matter of concern. The J series of jets are copies of Su-27 & Su-30 fighters of Russian origin. 
 
J-20

Under current situation if MRFA deal takes much longer time then the Govt. of India can buy 36 additional or follow-on Rafales from France & atleast 3 squads of Russian 5th gen. jet Su-57. Russian has offered India for joint production of its fighter jets in India. If this is done then IAF will still be able to get 5 new squads, taking the total no. to 37 squads. This should be done instantly if MRFA gets any more delayed.    

Su-57

PM Narendra Modji, i hope you read this along with Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh & act fast. 

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