IAF Special • Acquisitions
moving ahead The IAF is undergoing a major transformation, upgrading and inducting new aircraft. Read through the article to know about the latest platforms that are in the process of being inducted into the IAF’s aircraft fleet. By Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey
force multiplier: airbus a330 MRTT with all three refuelling hoses extended
A Photograph: AirBus Military
As the Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrates its 81st anniversary this year, the planning and dedicated effort on the part of both Air Headquarters (Air HQ) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) behind the ongoing programme of transformation is beginning to manifest itself in the latest platforms that are in the induction process or are slated to join the expanding fleet in the near future. Combat Aircraft Contract negotiations for the 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) are inching forward despite the innumerable impediments that have continually afflicted the programme since its inception in 2001. Young fighter pilots in the IAF are eagerly looking forward to the successful conclusion of this $20 billion deal that will equip its combat fleet with the fourthgeneration plus swing-role platform from Dassault Aviation of France. Fitted with the latest and most advanced avionics as well as capable of carrying the most sophisticated aerial weap-
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ISSUE 10 • 2013
ons, the Rafale will indeed be a formidable combat platform in the hands of future combat pilots of the IAF. As per the last estimate by Air HQ, the contract negotiations should be completed by the end of October this year and contract signed soon thereafter. Induction of this platform is expected to begin three years after signing the contract with the first 18 aircraft or nearly a squadron worth, delivered directly by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The remaining 108 aircraft will be manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with transfer of technology (ToT) and deliveries commencing four years after signing of the contract. The other combat platform to be inducted into the IAF in the near future would be the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and built by HAL. The Minister of Defence A.K. Antony has specified end of 2013 as the deadline for initial operational clearance after which the induction of the aircraft into the IAF will commence. Final operational clearance as mandated by Antony is to
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