Supremacy in the skies

By ordering new aircraft, India not just increases its defence clout, but also builds strategic economic alliances

BY GAURAV SURATI

India seems to be finally gearing up to play a vital role as an Asian superpower. Well, this at least appears to be the case from a military point of view. When it comes to superiority in the skies, the Indian Air Force (IAF) needs to maintain an edge over hostile countries in both quality and quantity of its aircraft, to protect its sovereign interests. To achieve this, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in conjunction with the IAF has recently cleared deals worth billions of dollars, to buy 126 combat aircraft as well as several transport aircraft.

This swift-reaction capability will be crucial in countering China’s massive build-up of military infrastructure all along the 4,057km Line of Actual Control, which includes five fully-operational airbases in Tibet

The good factor about this deal is that the Indian government has played all its cards right upto now. The reason why I say this is because the MoD has ensured that the IAF receives the world’s most superior aircraft, whilst maintaining an appropriate balance with its strategic partner, the USA. With India still pegged to spend billions of dollars in coming decades, it’s no surprise that defence companies such as Boeing and Mig are ready to do almost everything to obtain orders worth a few billion dollars. This especially stands true when the world is increasingly volatile due to turmoil in the Middle East and Greece’s inability to pay its debt.

The tendering process

The IAF had projected a need to buy 126 combat aircraft in 2001, taking into consideration its aging fleet of Mig-21 and due to its delayed Tejas light combat aircraft programme. Six defence companies with their aircraft opted to take part in the Medium Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) tendering process. These were: Boeing (US), F/A-18 Super Hornet; Lockheed Martin (US), F-16 Viper; Mikoyan (Russia), Mig-35; Saab (Sweden), Gripen; Euro fighter (EU), Typhoon; Dassault (France), Rafale. It would have probably been easy to pick aircraft from Russian or American companies, considering their expertise in defence equipment and their well-known global presence. But luckily for India and unfortunately for the companies, things didn’t unfold as many had speculated. We can now see how eager these companies are to ensure that their production lines are busy and keep unemployment at bay.

Taking the test

All the participants by now had already agreed to fly at least one or two of their aircraft all the way from their originating countries to India. This was to help conduct all-weather technical field trials in different parts of the country including humid Bangalore, hot Jaisalmer and cold Leh. Latest reports suggest that only Rafale and Typhoon have been shortlisted in this competition, based on the technical parameters laid by the IAF. Unsuccessful bidding by Boeing and Lockheed Martin for their respective aircrafts may raise some eyebrows, but it must be noted that the US is considered to be an unreliable supplier of defence equipment in India. This is mainly due to sanctions imposed on India by the US after the Pokhran nuclear tests, which restricted India from buying important aircraft parts like engines and radar. It is expected that India will place a formal order of 126 fighter aircraft worth 10 billion USD of Typhoon or Rafale in the coming months. Due credit needs to be given to Defence Minister AK Antony for not coming under any political pressure and making the selection process solely based on the merits and demerits of each aircraft.

A boost for heavy lifting

On the other hand, to increase its strategic lift capacity, the IAF has placed an order for at least 10 C-17 Globemaster aircraft with Boeing at a cost of 4.1 billion USD. As per media reports, India may place an order of six more C-17 aircraft in the coming years, to fulfil its very heavy lift transport aircraft requirement. This aircraft has state-of-the-art technology giving it the ability to land within a 3500ft makeshift runway at day or night, and payload capacity of 78,000kg. Such aircraft are mainly used during the time of war as well as peace, for transporting soldiers, tanks, artillery guns, equipment, etc., to the remotest of locations. Ten or more such aircraft can transport a massive amount of cargo in just a couple of days, giving the IAF more punch. The C-17 Globemaster aircraft will be eventually phase out the Russian-origin IL-76 Gajraj heavy lift transport aircraft and will seriously boost India’s swift power projection capabilities in its “primary area of geo-strategic interest’’ stretching from

… the MoD has ensured that the IAF receives the world’s most superior aircraft, whilst maintaining an appropriate balance with its strategic partner the USA the Persian Gulf to the Malacca Straits. This swift-reaction capability will be crucial in countering China’s massive build-up of military infrastructure all along the 4,057km Line of Actual Control, which includes five fully-operational airbases in Tibet.

India’s order of the ten Boeing manufactured C-17 Globemaster aircraft has given the US some opportunity to cheer after losing its bid for the combat aircraft contract. At the same time, the deal has helped India to leverage its relationship with both, the European Union and the US.

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BY AZAL KHAN

Baby, it’s cold outside. The mercury is dropping and so our quest begins for the perfect winter coat or the perfect leather boots. However, winter doesn’t always mean going out and buying a whole new wardrobe (as fun as that can be!) but investing in key pieces and accessories for a chic and on-trend look. Dark days have never looked so good.

Hot hues

Colour is such a refreshing way to revitalise your winter wardrobe, so if you’re game, go bright. Be inspired by Australian couture king Alex Perry’s glamorous gowns in stunning colours and work these hues in your everyday wear. An emerald green shift dress or red cropped jeans from Camilla & Marc will instantly lift your outfit while floral chiffon prints in Zimmerman will have you yearning for warm summer days. Colour blocking is also a popular trend where the loud colour combinations make for a dynamic and confident look, as seen at Arthur Galan. Keep the look slick and modern with boots and minimal accessories such as a simple gold or silver cuff. For something more ladylike, Jayson Brunsdon’s autumn/winter collection features rich jewel tones in pink and orange creating strong silhouettes with an emphasis on grace and cinematic femininity. Accessorise with Audrey Hepburn-inspired feline sunglasses as seen at Prada or a wide-brimmed felt hat for a relaxed 1970s vibe.

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