Air Force to add more firepower! IAF to add 450 different aircraft in next decade, says Air Chief

With plans to incorporate nearly 400 different aircraft in the next decade, the Indian Air Force is set to finalize a deal with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for an additional 83 LCA Mk 1A and 12 additional Su 30 MKIs from Russia. In addition, more MiG-29 fighter jets will be ordered from Russia. Summarizing the IAF’s modernization plans and focus on indigenization efforts, on the eve of the IAF’s 89th anniversary celebrations, IAF Chief Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria said: “About 400-450 indigenous aircraft of various types will be installed at the IAF in the next 10 to 15 years. By the end of the decade, the goal is to have around 37-39 squads. “

Batting for indigenous fighters, the chief said that “the immediate focus is to sign the contract for 83 LCA-Mk1A than the tender for 114 fighter jets. The IAF’s mainstay for the next decade would be the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). “

In line with ʻAtmanirbhar Bharat ‘“We have placed our trust in the LCA and in the next five years the induction of 83 LCA Mk1A will begin. In addition, the IAF will soon sign a contract for 106 HTT-40 and the LCH with HAL, ”added the chief. The agreement for the 83 LCA-Mk1A is expected to be signed by the end of the year.

In June, the DAC headed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh had put its approval on the IAF wish list of 12 HAL Su-30 MKI jets, 21 MiG-29s and upgrades to 59 existing Mig-29 jets.

The approval granted would further aid in increasing the number of the IAF’s shrinking combat squadrons. As reported by Financial Express Online in July this year, “The MiG-29, the upgrade to the existing MiG-29 already in service will cost around Rs 7,418 crore, and plans to buy a new Su-30MKI (for about Rs 10,730 crore) “.

The acquisition of the MiG-29 and Su-30MKI fighters has been under consideration for almost two years and the decision to sign the agreement for these aircraft has been made with priority in view of the ongoing tensions between India and China throughout the Royal Line of Control in eastern Ladakh.

Will India buy more French fighters?

In response to questions from the media, the IAF chief did not comment on any immediate request for two more squadrons from France’s Dassault Aviation for the “Rafale.”

Midlife Updates

These upgrades are expected to enhance the operational capability and also the overall operational potential of the Mirage-2000, MiG-29 and Jaguar fleet.

Modernization is ongoing and the focus is on the latest weapons, systems, sensors and technologies.

LCA Mk 1A

The 83 indigenous fighter jets that the IAF plans to purchase will include ten two-seater versions for training purposes.

These aircraft will be equipped with GE-414 engines from America.

The Kaveri engine that was launched for indigenous fighters has been in the making for more than four decades and will now be used to power Indian-made UAVs.

These LCA aircraft will replace the MiG-21 Bison aircraft, which is being phased out.

The aircraft is considered four and a half generations old and has the ability to be upgraded later.

It will come with airborne refueling, active electronically scanned array radar (AESA).

In addition, there will be electronic warfare suites and they can be equipped with different types of weapons, missiles and bombs.

When will the LCA Mark-2 and AMCA be ready?

According to sources, the LCA Mark-2 is expected to be ready by 2023 and the first AMCA flight is expected in 2032.