Indian Air Force News & Discussion - 23 March 2021

[Rakesh]

No 15 Sqn is the IAF's famed EW Rambha squadron. A fame earned at Balakot and are affectionately called AMRAAM Dodgers

https://x.com/hqwaciaf/status/2006336848722104513?s=20 ---> Air Marshal JS Mann, Senior Air Staff Officer, Western Air Command, visited a frontline fighter Squadron, The Flying Lances, as Commodore Commandant. He interacted with the squadron personnel and commended them for their stellar performance as the most decorated squadron being awarded 4 VrC, 2 VM (G) and 9 M-in-D. He reviewed operational readiness and undertook an operational sortie. The Air Marshal commended the technical staff for maintaining high serviceability and the aircrew for their skill & professionalism. He also participated in sports and social activities with the personnel and their families, appreciating the strong camaraderie that enhances the unit's operational preparedness.

https://x.com/officialTatya_1/status/20 ... 87882?s=20 ---> No.15 Squadron "Flying Lancers"

[eklavya]

Hindustan Times report:

Jets, mid-air refuellers, missiles: Indian Air Force to augment arsenal with vital acquisitions

The defence ministry has paved the way for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to acquire six Boeing 767-based mid-air refuellers from Israel and 12 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems supported by platforms from Brazil and France, according to people aware of the matter, a move that will make the force a heavyweight by 2026.

The ministry will also expedite the acquisition of 114 multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) from France under the “Make in India” rubric, the people added.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by defence minister Rajnath Singh, this week also cleared the purchase of 36 more Meteor air-to-air missiles for Rafale fighters from France. This follows the approval for 280 long- and short-range missiles for the S-400 system from Russia.

A cost negotiations committee (CNC) is being constituted to fix the price of the six refuellers from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), with the project estimated at ₹10,000 crore, the people cited above added.

Separately, the defence ministry will issue a request for proposal (RFP) to purchase six Embraer jets from Brazil to mount the DRDO-developed Netra Mk II AESA radar, which offers a 270-degree view, the people said. The radar features an enhanced electronic warfare suite and network-centric warfare capabilities.

The government has also signed a contract to upgrade six Airbus A319 aircraft by the parent company in France, installing 360-degree rotodome radars to convert them into AWACS platforms.

Groundwork has begun for the proposed acquisition of 114 MRFA for the IAF from France, starting with decisions on indigenous content integration.

Finally, India and Russia are working to acquire five more S-400 long-range air defence systems and the Pantsir medium-range air defence system via the government-to-government route. The former targets enemy fighters, while the latter engages unmanned combat systems, cruise missiles, loitering munitions and helicopters.

[Kartik]

Finally gaining some momentum on 3 important fronts- the 6 refuelers, 12 AWACS and the MRFA that has been stalled for so long.

[chetak]

Modi govt has notified the acquisition of 382.82 acres of land in Assam to UPGRADE the Tezpur Air Force Station.

Defence Ministry will secure the land for ADVANCED weapon systems and KEY assets of the Indian Air Force’s 11 Wing.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/connect_rishav/status/140 ... 28867?s=20 ---> Looking for some cool selfies? Enjoy this one of Indian Air Force Mirage 2000I formation flight.

[Rakesh]

Car Nicobar Air Base: Key To India’s Power Projection, Now More Potent

India has upgraded the Car Nicobar air base runway, strengthening its strategic reach in the eastern Indian Ocean. The facility enhances rapid air operations and oversight of the Malacca Strait, a vital global trade and energy route. Car Nicobar’s location makes it central to India’s maritime security, enabling surveillance, deterrence, and force projection in the Indo-Pacific. Complementing this, a greenfield airport on Great Nicobar is planned, capable of handling wide-body aircraft, further consolidating India’s strategic and logistical capabilities in the region.

[Rakesh]

Modi govt has notified the acquisition of 382.82 acres of land in Assam to UPGRADE the Tezpur Air Force Station.

Defence Ministry will secure the land for ADVANCED weapon systems and KEY assets of the Indian Air Force’s 11 Wing.

https://x.com/_TheTathya/status/2009190 ... 69121?s=20 ---> India Consolidates Air Dominance Across the Eastern Frontier...

> Modi govt. has formally notified acquisition of 382.82 acres in Bokajan, Assam.
> The land will be used to upgrade Tezpur Air Force Station, a key IAF frontline base.
> Tezpur sits just 150–200 km from the LAC, giving it high operational value.

Here's why this move matters...

> Boosts rapid fighter deployment in the Northeast.
> Strengthens force projection toward both China and Bangladesh.
> Enhances runways, dispersal zones, and logistics.
> Fits into India’s wider push on airbases, roads, rail, and logistics near borders.
> Allows India to pre-position air power rather than react under pressure.

This isn’t a routine land acquisition... It’s a forward military posturing.

Quiet, legal, and deliberate... exactly how strategic advantage is built under Narendra Modi.