Military
Modernisation ABOUT to be coloured in indian livery: dassault rafale loaded with weapon systems
Modernisation of IAF The most important component of the inventory of the IAF that will give it the capability to project power effectively in the region is its fleet of combat aircraft
Photograph: Dassault Aviation
BY Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)
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Backed by a rapidly growing economy, India is clearly emerging as a regional power. With the rise in status in the comity of nations, there is the logical and inevitable expansion of national interests that transcend the frontiers of the nation and in fact, today, extend from the Persian Gulf to the Strait of Malacca. However, the growing status in the evolving geopolitical and security scenario is accompanied by new challenges for the nation which ultimately translates to enhanced role and responsibilities for the armed forces of the nation as well. In this context it becomes necessary for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to keep pace with the times to fulfill its mandate as the “spearhead” of national military power.
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ISSUE 2 • 2017
State of the Combat Fleet of the IAF The most important component of the inventory of the IAF that will give it the capability to project power effectively in the region is its fleet of combat aircraft that must have adequate reach, firepower through modern stand-off and precision-guided munitions and stealth characteristics. Unfortunately, the state in which the combat fleet of the IAF is in today, leaves much to be desired. Currently, the size of the fleet of combat aircraft authorised by the government is 39.5 squadrons. The government has now sanctioned the raising of another 2.5 squadrons taking the strength to 42 squadrons by the end of the Fourteenth Five Year
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