“Over the last nine decades, the IAF has come a long way in transforming seamlessly from a tactical force to a strategic one and today, IAF is one of the finest Air Forces in the world. We have demonstrated unrivalled adaptability and resilience and have grown leaps and bounds as a potent and effective fighting force,” reiterated Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhary PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC Chief of the Air Staff Indian Air Force in an exclusive interview with Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) .
ADU. At 91 how near is the IAF to incorporate theatre commands for its strategic, tactical and hierarchical needs to expand its wings via tri-service synergy and fulfil its manpower deficit?
CAS. The aim of any restructuring is to achieve better efficiency and operational effectiveness. It is being ensured that the process of military reforms is driven by logic, reason and accepted military principles. All three services are working in unison to make a model that has been designed for own conditions and focusses on our threat perception and geo-political landscape.
ADU. What is the status of the leasing RFI for mid-air-refuellers and which are the other respondents in addition to Air Tanker UK?
CAS. The RFI for leasing of mid-air-refuellers was issued in Mar 21. There were a total of nine vendors who responded to the RFI. RFP was issued on 13 Mar 23 as per the provisions of DAP 2020. The case is being progressed and vendor responses are being vetted.
ADU. For the MRFA which are the options apart from F-15 and how near is IAF to procurement in this class?
CAS. A total of eight aircraft types have responded to the RFI for the MRFA case. The IAF is actively pursuing the case to mitigate the effects of shortfall of fighter platforms.
ADU. For the long awaited Indian AWACS has decision on procuring narrow body aircraft got finalised and when can IAF expect them to be in the fleet?
CAS. Two Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft (based on Embraer 145 XR platform) have been inducted in IAF in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Both aircraft are being utilised for operational role. 3rd AEW&C aircraft is ready for induction in IAF and final acceptance is under progress. Further, acquisition of six additional AEW&C Mk-II aircraft based on pre-owned Airbus A-321 platform has been sanctioned by the CCS in Sep 2021. The delivery of these aircraft is expected within 80 months from CCS sanction. In addition, case for procurement of six more AEW&C Mk-1A (Embraer 145 XR based similar to existing AEW&C) aircraft is under progress by IAF.
ADU. With unmanned systems increasingly becoming the need of the hour for any Airforce, how does IAF plan to fulfil this necessity in its operations?
CAS. IAF is working on a roadmap for acquisition of RPAs to meet both the short-term and long-term operational requirements. The plan includes the procurement of various types of RPA systems ranging from Small Drones and Counter Drone systems to the MALE and HALE class of RPAs. With the planned induction of MQ9B Sky Guardians and the ongoing development of Tapas by DRDO, our capability will significantly improve. RPAs, with additional air to air capability, possibly working in tandem with manned aircraft in the Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) role are likely to see the light of day very soon.
