Indian Air Force News & Discussion - 23 March 2021

[drnayar]

Where does the capacity to build 40 fighters per year come from according to the IAF chief? How many nations apart from US and China build 40 fighters per year?

Or is that for others to figure out and not his problem?

multiple lines., the chief needs the program on a national level mission mode., wonder if there are people who don't understand the urgency ! It doesn't matter if it only some countries are doing it now, but India can certainly scale up if it really wants to

[Aditya_V]

To have 40 Aircraft 3 years down the line you need to order 350 Aircraft. The only Aircraft we can afford is Trjas MK1A, Mk2, ORCS, AMCA

[Manish_P]

Hope the engine supply issues gets sorted soon.

Trump has got us by the throat there

Wish for the AMCA we could go with non-US engines

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/SJha1618/status/1895706459943636996 ---> Precisely. Which is why both the political and military leadership must make it clear to the domestic supply-chain that the Tejas Mk2 & AMCA projects will have unwavering support. 'Sustaining a long conflict requires not just stockpiles but also the ability to replenish supplies quickly. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh highlighted the importance of self-sufficiency in wartime production.'

No more hand-me-downs! India gears up to build 40 fighter jets a year, says IAF Chief
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 624712.cms
28 Feb 2025

https://x.com/livefist/status/1895744408420827540 ---> To the many armchair nincompoops who think they know better than the IAF chief, please read and absorb. Slowly.

[Rakesh]

The timing of this report....

https://x.com/SaurabhJoshi/status/1896570652850889076 ---> The defence secretary has submitted the report of the Empowered Committee for Capability Enhancement of the lndian Air Force (IAF) to the defence minister. As one can see from their cover, the copies of the reports are numbered and marked ‘Secret’.



https://x.com/livefist/status/1896576484942463389 ----> Educated guesses for what’s in the Committee report?

1. Short-Term:

2. Medium-Term:

3. Long-Term:

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/livefist/status/1896576484942463389 ----> Educated guesses for what’s in the Committee report?

1. Short-Term:

2. Medium-Term:

3. Long-Term:

This is how you do marketing. Put Tejas Mk1 on the cover of the report, but fill the entire report with one word....

1. Short-Term: IMPORT (Rafale will be game changer)

2. Medium-Term: IMPORT (F-35 will be game changer)

3. Long-Term: IMPORT (NGAD will be game changer)

[Tanaji]

Wasnt Shiv Aroor pimping for an American fighter in an earlier version of MRCA?

The real question he needs to ask is why is IAF in this situation where it needs 40 fighters and when it asks for such which countries can meet this requirement. This seems to be Enron/Nortel/Lehmann style management….

[Rakesh]

The timing of this report....

https://x.com/SaurabhJoshi/status/1896570652850889076 ---> The defence secretary has submitted the report of the Empowered Committee for Capability Enhancement of the lndian Air Force (IAF) to the defence minister. As one can see from their cover, the copies of the reports are numbered and marked ‘Secret’.

https://x.com/livefist/status/1896889683898167692 ---> It’s a designated ‘SECRET’ document. There won’t be any ‘official details’. Only speculation.

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1896799126484070627 ---> Report has detailed a "glide path" to increasing the number of fighter squadrons, which includes a foreign OEM tying up with an Indian partner to set up a production line here: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ind ... 691736.cms. Puts Tejas on cover, but wants MRFA. They needed a report to try imports again.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/rahulsinghx/status/1896770487788916977 ---> The committee’s report, classified “secret”, comes at a time when the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, has publicly flagged concerns about a worrying erosion of capabilities and called for urgent measures to address it.

[Rakesh]

The link below has multiple news items in one video. The IAF portion is as follows;

2:15 to 20:15 and then again from 22:58 to 34:52

Saurav Jha makes great points.

VIDEO: https://x.com/News9Tweets/status/1897308668653175126 ---> Indian Air Force's aircraft emergency.

[Manish_P]

...
https://x.com/SaurabhJoshi/status/1896570652850889076 ---> The defence secretary has submitted the report of the Empowered Committee for Capability Enhancement of the lndian Air Force (IAF) to the defence minister. As one can see from their cover, the copies of the reports are numbered and marked ‘Secret’.
...

It's marked 'Secret' not 'Top Secret'. So the contents will be leaked to the appropriate channels shortly

[Rakesh]

How Indian Air Force aims to give its bold modernisation a flying start
https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-i ... ryshareurl
05 March 2025

[Rakesh]

The timing of this report....

https://x.com/SaurabhJoshi/status/1896570652850889076 ---> The defence secretary has submitted the report of the Empowered Committee for Capability Enhancement of the lndian Air Force (IAF) to the defence minister. As one can see from their cover, the copies of the reports are numbered and marked ‘Secret’.

https://x.com/KSingh_1469/status/1897480357034786991 ---> So the CAS’s bashing of LCA and subsequent remarks about a need for 35-40 fighters/yr at a time when this report was being formulated takes on a new light now. Everything is always a big game to get imports from these people.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1897523184762806377 ---> IAF trying to build future around Tejas Mk1, Mk1A, LCA AF Mk2 and AMCA. Dependence on foreign sources is problematic. But accepts need for more aircraft, likely foreign. Only we here in India will seek more foreign aircraft to reduce foreign dependence without support for IDDM R&D, especially regarding engines.

https://x.com/Defencematrix1/status/1897525513540805050 ---> Depending on foreign sources is problematic, but what about Indigenous platforms being dependent on foreign sources? The issue with F404 supply and the delay in F414 deal signing should be a wake-up call. Need to fast-track the domestic jet engine development program and infrastructure!

[srai]

https://x.com/Praneethfrank/status/1637 ... 61/photo/1

D3 cat basking in the sun with 2x DRDO SAAW on port outer, 2x ASRAAM over-wing, Sudarshan LGB mid-station & Litening mid-starboard.

[Rakesh]

Address IAF’s depleting offensive capability
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comme ... apability/
07 March 2025

The sheer lack of numbers, capability gaps in long-range air-to-air missiles and other structural deficiencies in the IAF's air defence networks and sensors are a cause for concern.

[Rakesh]

India's War Room: Air Force | Air Chief Marshal AP Singh | Chief Of The Air Staff

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh discusses the Indian Air Force's readiness, challenges in matching adversaries' technology, and the need for indigenous defence capabilities. He emphasises the importance of tactics alongside technology, the potential squadron strength issues, and the push for swadeshi aircraft development. The Air Chief also addresses concerns about China and Pakistan's air force advancements.

----Chapters-----

00:00 India Today Conclave: Air Chief Marshal on Fighter Jet Shortage and Balakot Operations
03:20 Air Force Chief on Future Warfare: Balancing Fighter Jets and Unmanned Combat Vehicles
07:22 Indian Air Force Aims to Become Multi-Domain Aerospace Force, Says Top Official
10:50 India's Air Force Strength: Challenges and Future Projections Amid Technological Advancements
14:12 Indian Air Force Considering Options for Future Fighter Aircraft Procurement
17:55 Indian Air Force Chief on Fighter Jets, Technology Gap and Future Readiness

[Ankit Desai]

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1902070491109847444 <---------- IAF's acquisition planned in FY 2025-26

1. Low level Radars
2. Electronic warfare Suite for helicopters
3. Light Combat Aircraft
4. Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Multi-role Helicopter
5. GSAT
6. CHAFF & flares
7. Jammers
8. Wet Lease of Flight Refuelling Aircraft
9. Inflatable Decoy
10. Indigenous upgrade of SU-30 aircraft
11. Wind Profiler
12. SIGINT & COMJAM Aircraft
13. Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems
14. Mountain Radars
15.Navigation Radars
16. Bird Detection and Monitoring Radar



-Ankit

[Tanaji]

“ Wet Lease of Flight Refuelling Aircraft”

Stellar planning right there. Leasing something that one needs for an extended period and is relatively unchanged over that period…

[Manish_P]

^^ Glad to see Inflatable Decoys in the list

That's one way to get the numbers up to 42 squadrons...

[VinodTK]

^^ Glad to see Inflatable Decoys in the list

That's one way to get the numbers up to 42 squadrons...

OMG

[Rakesh]

How Is India's Air Defence Assured By Different Agencies

Recent conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia have demonstrated the importance of a comprehensive defence system. Establishing a layered and complex air defence is a very complex task. India's indigenous air defence system too has many different parts that will, if and when, the need arises take on an adversary's assets across the spectrum that ranges from ballistic missiles and satellites on one end to small drones on the other end. Different stakeholders use various types of systems to ensure this security.

[Rakesh]

DRDO’s RCI Boosts Indigenous Defense Capabilities with New Tender for Chandan Range Targets for IIR Seekers
https://www.thedefencematrix.in/drdos-r ... ir-seekers
24 March 2025

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/sneheshphilip/status/1905630656757195004 ---> MoD signs Wet Leasing of one Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA) for providing air-to-air refuelling training to pilots of IAF and Indian Navy. Contract signed with Metrea who will provide Boeing KC135 Aircraft within six months. Airbus loses out.

The above might not be true.....

India is about to rent an A330 MRTT Phoenix supply aircraft from France
https://www.opex360.com/2025/03/29/lind ... e_vignette
29 March 2025

Indian Air Force to lease A330 MRTT from France
https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/i ... rom-france
28 March 2025

[Aditya_V]

Any idea about GPS spoofing attack on IAF C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying relief to Myanmar- Chinese Involvement?

[chetak]

^^ Glad to see Inflatable Decoys in the list

That's one way to get the numbers up to 42 squadrons...

Manish ji,


It is the only way

[Kartik]

Any idea about GPS spoofing attack on IAF C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying relief to Myanmar- Chinese Involvement?

IAF was already aware of it in advance thanks to a NOTAM issued by Mandalay International Airport

IAF Tweet

[Manish_P]

Any idea about GPS spoofing attack on IAF C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying relief to Myanmar- Chinese Involvement?
...

We have encountered it in the past years as well.

Hopefully our NAVIC coverage bubble will expand to cover entire IOR, SCS and the Mediterranean regions

[nachiket]

“ Wet Lease of Flight Refuelling Aircraft”

Stellar planning right there. Leasing something that one needs for an extended period and is relatively unchanged over that period…

Wet leasing means it comes with the crew, who will obviously only fly it in peacetime. Completely useless in an actual conflict. Maybe it'll help reduce the peacetime flight hours on our IL-78s.

[Hriday]

The exact frequency of the radars of fighter jets and SAM systems is generally kept secret. Did we expose the radar of SU-30 during the Pak airstrike on India? And we got the information on the F16 radar when they shot down the Mig-21? These are not discussed in the forum.

One hope is that it will not be a reason to avoid a very short air war with Pakistan because it is the most cost-effective. Much less escalatory than sinking a warship. Rafale with Meteor long-range missile will be our spear tip in the air war. S-400 long-range SAM can almost single-handedly destroy any Pak aircraft flying inside Pakistan with cues from AWACS.

Uri and Balakot-type surgical strikes are not viable as Pakistan will not repeat the same mistake.

[drnayar]

The exact frequency of the radars of fighter jets and SAM systems is generally kept secret. Did we expose the radar of SU-30 during the Pak airstrike on India? And we got the information on the F16 radar when they shot down the Mig-21? These are not discussed in the forum.

One hope is that it will not be a reason to avoid a very short air war with Pakistan because it is the most cost-effective. Much less escalatory than sinking a warship. Rafale with Meteor long-range missile will be our spear tip in the air war. S-400 long-range SAM can almost single-handedly destroy any Pak aircraft flying inside Pakistan with cues from AWACS.

Uri and Balakot-type surgical strikes are not viable as Pakistan will not repeat the same mistake.

i hope they take out the Erieyes before any start.. that would be telling