Indian Military Aviation

[P Chitkara]

We were and are currently manufacturing russian engines... what's wrong with using them??? I mean we already have a very good engine in the form of AL-31FP, why not build the hypothetical fighter around this engine???

AL31 will be good for a single engine a/c. Using it for a twin engine a/c will increase the size of the a/c to accommodate two such engines. This, in turn will push the weight towards heavy class.

That brings up a very interesting question - Do we see majority of our a/f with twin engine a/c? Twin engine a/c would mean more operational cost.

F-35 is single engine and will form the bulk of the fighter fleet for USAF in future. They have always kept smaller number of twin engine a/c compared to single engine (F15/F16 now; F22/F35 in future). So, there may be some merit in doing so after all.

[vardhank]

Perhaps, before we go into engines, we need to define what SORT of plane we want, yes? And not just a candy-shop wish-list of attributes: what sort of plane will we need, say in a 2025-2050 time period?

I'm putting down what I think - gurus, anyone else with an opinion, feel perfectly free to disagree

I'm guessing we're going for a Hi-med-lo lineup (especially towards the end of that time-frame, when hopefully we'll come down to fewer types of fighters), with the FGFA/PAK-FA as hi, the LCA (2/3, whatever) as lo and this new fifth-gen plane as the medium level. It'll be used both by the IAF and IN (and hopefully by the IN-Marine Corps that I hope will be formed). It'll be expected to operate on its own as well, but its major role will be as a strike platform to go in under the umbrella of the FGFA.

What I'd look for (personally at least):
1) Stealth - obviously, but not like the F-35, where agility and payload are compromised for LO. the approach would have to be more like the FGFA - a good degree of stealth, but within a very agile airframe.
2) Supercruise
3) STOVL/VTOL or at least very short take off and landing ability
4) Unprepared runway ability + easy maintenance - I envision a lot of forward-base use
5) Internal weapons bays DESIGNED to take projected weapons (unlike the F-35, which can't take the Meteor)
6) AESA radar + IRST, other sensors + data sharing ability with new-age ground/space-based sensor systems to tackle stealth and aim standoff weapons
7) The general characteristics of a strike fighter, ie decent payload, good range, good stability

What else?

[shukla]

Indian Air Force Commanders Conference reviews preparedness

The four-day biannual Indian Air Force (IAF) Commanders Conference began in New Delhi on Tuesday. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, addressed the commanders and reviewed the overall progress of the IAF. The commanders will discuss and debate key issues encompassing IAF's operations, maintenance and administration.

The IAF is vigorously pursuing its modernisation plans to enhance its strategic capabilities. India is on the cusp of signing a deal with France expected to be worth over $2.1 billion for upgrading the 50 Mirage-2000 aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The Conference, attended by the top brass, would also introspect progress made in key spheres and outline future action plans. Apart from this, flight safety, maintenance, administrative and logistical issues will also be taken up for discussion.

[SriSri]

More about the IAF Commander's Conference in a PIB Release:

Air Force Commanders Conference Gets Underway, Plans to Counter Threats Reviewed

The second biannual Indian Air Force (IAF) Commanders Conference got underway in the Capital at Air Headquarters, today. The IAF Vice Chief, Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of IAF's seven Commands, Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at Air HQ are among those attending the four-day conference.

Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik addressed the Commanders and reviewed the overall progress of the IAF. Spelling out his vision for the IAF, the Air Chief elaborated on the road-map set forth to achieve the objectives. In the context of the present day scenario, he mentioned of the threats that could manifest in unpredictable ways and the need to maintain a constant vigil to counter the threats.

Over the remaining three days, the Commanders will discuss and debate key issues encompassing IAF's operational, maintenance and administrative aspects. The IAF is vigorously pursuing its modernization plans to enhance its strategic capabilities. The conference would also witness introspection on the progress made in key spheres and outline future plans of action for the IAF.

[Kersi D]

Perhaps, before we go into engines, we need to define what SORT of plane we want, yes? And not just a candy-shop wish-list of attributes: what sort of plane will we need, say in a 2025-2050 time period?

I'm putting down what I think - gurus, anyone else with an opinion, feel perfectly free to disagree

I'm guessing we're going for a Hi-med-lo lineup (especially towards the end of that time-frame, when hopefully we'll come down to fewer types of fighters), with the FGFA/PAK-FA as hi, the LCA (2/3, whatever) as lo and this new fifth-gen plane as the medium level. It'll be used both by the IAF and IN (and hopefully by the IN-Marine Corps that I hope will be formed). It'll be expected to operate on its own as well, but its major role will be as a strike platform to go in under the umbrella of the FGFA.

What I'd look for (personally at least):
1) Stealth - obviously, but not like the F-35, where agility and payload are compromised for LO. the approach would have to be more like the FGFA - a good degree of stealth, but within a very agile airframe.
2) Supercruise
3) STOVL/VTOL or at least very short take off and landing ability
4) Unprepared runway ability + easy maintenance - I envision a lot of forward-base use
5) Internal weapons bays DESIGNED to take projected weapons (unlike the F-35, which can't take the Meteor)
6) AESA radar + IRST, other sensors + data sharing ability with new-age ground/space-based sensor systems to tackle stealth and aim standoff weapons
7) The general characteristics of a strike fighter, ie decent payload, good range, good stability

What else?

Plenty. 8 - 10,hard points
9) A good internal gun with plenty of ammo, not the 70 rounds which were carried by some USSR ac, SU 7, I think
10) Built in laser range finder, target designator
11) Single engine for "low end" ac, twin engine for "med end"
12) In flight refuelling as well as buddy refuelling

Is supercruise really required ? It may be difficult to have a VTOL ac, rather the ac should be suitable for STOL from makeshift runaways.

I suggest that there should be 2 types on the same platform, one for air defence / intercepter / CAP etc and another for ground attack

K

[Bala Vignesh]

What I'd look for (personally at least):
1) Stealth - obviously, but not like the F-35, where agility and payload are compromised for LO. the approach would have to be more like the FGFA - a good degree of stealth, but within a very agile airframe.
2) Supercruise
3) STOVL/VTOL or at least very short take off and landing ability
4) Unprepared runway ability + easy maintenance - I envision a lot of forward-base use
5) Internal weapons bays DESIGNED to take projected weapons (unlike the F-35, which can't take the Meteor)
6) AESA radar + IRST, other sensors + data sharing ability with new-age ground/space-based sensor systems to tackle stealth and aim standoff weapons
7) The general characteristics of a strike fighter, ie decent payload, good range, good stability

What else?

1) Agree.. We should not sacrifice on payload.. agility is secondary for a strike platform, relatively...
2) May not be required.. I remember reading an article in which the author had opined that supercruise is overrated.. what is more useful is the transonic acceleration of the engine..
3) STOL should be enough.. If the IN is operating this plane it would be from the CATOBAR equipped IAC2... Vertical landing is not required at all..
4) Accepted completely..
5) Accepted completely..
6) AESA radar may not be necessary for a strike platform, a decenet PESA radar should be suffice.. IRST with integral laser range finder and a podded laser designator and tracker should be fine....

[shiv]

Perhaps, before we go into engines, we need to define what SORT of plane we want, yes? And not just a candy-shop wish-list of attributes: what sort of plane will we need, say in a 2025-2050 time period?

I'm putting down what I think - gurus, anyone else with an opinion, feel perfectly free to disagree

I'm guessing we're going for a Hi-med-lo lineup (especially towards the end of that time-frame, when hopefully we'll come down to fewer types of fighters), with the FGFA/PAK-FA as hi, the LCA (2/3, whatever) as lo and this new fifth-gen plane as the medium level. It'll be used both by the IAF and IN (and hopefully by the IN-Marine Corps that I hope will be formed). It'll be expected to operate on its own as well, but its major role will be as a strike platform to go in under the umbrella of the FGFA.

What I'd look for (personally at least):
1) Stealth - obviously, but not like the F-35, where agility and payload are compromised for LO. the approach would have to be more like the FGFA - a good degree of stealth, but within a very agile airframe.
2) Supercruise
3) STOVL/VTOL or at least very short take off and landing ability
4) Unprepared runway ability + easy maintenance - I envision a lot of forward-base use
5) Internal weapons bays DESIGNED to take projected weapons (unlike the F-35, which can't take the Meteor)
6) AESA radar + IRST, other sensors + data sharing ability with new-age ground/space-based sensor systems to tackle stealth and aim standoff weapons
7) The general characteristics of a strike fighter, ie decent payload, good range, good stability

What else?

Plenty. 8 - 10,hard points
9) A good internal gun with plenty of ammo, not the 70 rounds which were carried by some USSR ac, SU 7, I think
10) Built in laser range finder, target designator
11) Single engine for "low end" ac, twin engine for "med end"
12) In flight refuelling as well as buddy refuelling

Is supercruise really required ? It may be difficult to have a VTOL ac, rather the ac should be suitable for STOL from makeshift runaways.

I suggest that there should be 2 types on the same platform, one for air defence / intercepter / CAP etc and another for ground attack

K

I think seamless ability to network with other Indian forces/sensors is essential. Radar integrated into wing and body may be a way to go.

But here's a thought. Why not turn the clock back?

I mean that the change form single role to multirole came because of proliferation of designs and falling numbers of aircraft production runs causing aircraft manufacturers to become unprofitable. This is the story of the current "developed world"

Why should we follow them?

Let us design dedicated air superiority and dedicated attack aircraft and give each the best specs possible rather than compromising specs of one to allow for the other.

What would be the specs for a air dominance fighter? And the specs for one or more types of attack aircraft

[Austin]

May be Tejas 50 - 60 % bigger with twin engine ? Will that be a worthy challenging project then some super duper high risk stealth ?

[nachiket]

May be Tejas 50 - 60 % bigger with twin engine ? Will that be a worthy challenging project then some super duper high risk stealth ?

Then we have to think about whether we want to create an aircraft for the IAF or a tech-demonstrator to build our design and manufacturing capabilities. Because this would put the new A/C in the MRCA class and the IAF may well choose to build more of the MRCA instead of getting a new A/C.

[Kersi D]

Perhaps, before we go into engines, we need to define what SORT of plane we want, yes? And not just a candy-shop wish-list of attributes: what sort of plane will we need, say in a 2025-2050 time period?

I'm putting down what I think - gurus, anyone else with an opinion, feel perfectly free to disagree

I'm guessing we're going for a Hi-med-lo lineup (especially towards the end of that time-frame, when hopefully we'll come down to fewer types of fighters), with the FGFA/PAK-FA as hi, the LCA (2/3, whatever) as lo and this new fifth-gen plane as the medium level. It'll be used both by the IAF and IN (and hopefully by the IN-Marine Corps that I hope will be formed). It'll be expected to operate on its own as well, but its major role will be as a strike platform to go in under the umbrella of the FGFA.

What I'd look for (personally at least):
1) Stealth - obviously, but not like the F-35, where agility and payload are compromised for LO. the approach would have to be more like the FGFA - a good degree of stealth, but within a very agile airframe.
2) Supercruise
3) STOVL/VTOL or at least very short take off and landing ability
4) Unprepared runway ability + easy maintenance - I envision a lot of forward-base use
5) Internal weapons bays DESIGNED to take projected weapons (unlike the F-35, which can't take the Meteor)
6) AESA radar + IRST, other sensors + data sharing ability with new-age ground/space-based sensor systems to tackle stealth and aim standoff weapons
7) The general characteristics of a strike fighter, ie decent payload, good range, good stability

What else?

Plenty. 8 - 10,hard points
9) A good internal gun with plenty of ammo, not the 70 rounds which were carried by some USSR ac, SU 7, I think
10) Built in laser range finder, target designator
11) Single engine for "low end" ac, twin engine for "med end"
12) In flight refuelling as well as buddy refuelling

Is supercruise really required ? It may be difficult to have a VTOL ac, rather the ac should be suitable for STOL from makeshift runaways.

I suggest that there should be 2 types on the same platform, one for air defence / intercepter / CAP etc and another for ground attack

K

I think seamless ability to network with other Indian forces/sensors is essential. Radar integrated into wing and body may be a way to go.

But here's a thought. Why not turn the clock back?

I mean that the change form single role to multirole came because of proliferation of designs and falling numbers of aircraft production runs causing aircraft manufacturers to become unprofitable. This is the story of the current "developed world"

Why should we follow them?

Let us design dedicated air superiority and dedicated attack aircraft and give each the best specs possible rather than compromising specs of one to allow for the other.

What would be the specs for a air dominance fighter? And the specs for one or more types of attack aircraft

We should have a common platform form "attack" and for "defense" role. Actually there have been few (very few) aircraft which are (were) good for both the roles. The names I can recollect are of course F 4 Phantom and the Mirages IIIC / IIIE / V and Mirage 2000. The airframe and engine should be same or at least very similar. All the insides could be different depending on the role.

Shiv, I suggest that you start a new thread and shift all these arguments.

K

[shiv]

Shiv, I suggest that you start a new thread and shift all these arguments.

K

Done

It's here
http://forums.bharat-rakshak.com/viewto ... 11&start=0

[srai]

May be Tejas 50 - 60 % bigger with twin engine ? Will that be a worthy challenging project then some super duper high risk stealth ?

In the next 5 to 10 years, India will have the following pieces ready because of the three decades of R&D efforts primarily from the LCA project:

* Quadruplex-Digital FBW
* Mission Computer
* Kaveri engines 80-100KN (in collaboration with the French)
* AESA radar (with some help from the Israelis, Russians and the MRCA winner)
* Helmet Mounted Display (HMD)
* Cockpit MFD and HUD
* Lighter Composites (stealthy by nature)
* Advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

* ECCM/EW suite (developed for various fighter upgrades)

* Numerous Test Rigs
* Flight Testing Program
* Weapon Integration
* Experienced Aeronautical Scientists

* Stealth design concepts (through the FGFA project with Russia and US 5th-Gen concepts)
* Stealth materials (through the FGFA project with Russia)
* Supercruise (through the FGFA project with Russia and if MRCA with that capability chosen)
* Internal Carriage for weapons (through the FGFA project with Russia)

Given access to all these technologies, the risk of an Indian AMCA of 5th-Gen design is not high at all and should be ready for induction by 2030. There is no need for an AMCA before that point. Upgraded 50+ Mirage-2000 and 60+ MiG-29 will not be retired until 2030. Then there will also be local production lines for LCA Mk.2/3, MRCA (+options) and FGFA. IAF has the options to induct more of any one of these 3 aircrafts should there be a delay foreseen in the AMCA program.

A new design combat aircraft is expected to serve 30-40 years. An AMCA that is inducted in 2025/30 needs to serve the IAF at least until 2060. For this reason, India needs to go for a 5th-Gen design of the AMCA and not a 4+++-Gen design, which will be obsolete by 2040.

[AdityaM]

any discussion on this speculation?
China shot down India's new Phalcon

...However, the blog, quoting reports in the US and Russia, comes out with a claim that the Indian plane was shot down by a Chinese air defence unit...
according to the blog, US press reports have felt that on the basis of signs seen by them, in particular the downplaying of the incident by India, it could be estimated that the crashed aircraft was not a big transport plane as explained by Indian military, but was India's first early warning Phalcon aircraft
...The blog then observes that however, signs of India's weakness appearing in the period following the 'shooting down' of its aircraft, include New Delhi's despatch of additional troops and deployment of four more SU-30 aircraft into 'Southern Tibet'.

[Juggi G]

X-Post

Air Arm to Highlight Neglect at Naval Conference
Daily News & Analysis

[JTull]

any discussion on this speculation?
China shot down India's new Phalcon

...However, the blog, quoting reports in the US and Russia, comes out with a claim that the Indian plane was shot down by a Chinese air defence unit...
according to the blog, US press reports have felt that on the basis of signs seen by them, in particular the downplaying of the incident by India, it could be estimated that the crashed aircraft was not a big transport plane as explained by Indian military, but was India's first early warning Phalcon aircraft
...The blog then observes that however, signs of India's weakness appearing in the period following the 'shooting down' of its aircraft, include New Delhi's despatch of additional troops and deployment of four more SU-30 aircraft into 'Southern Tibet'.

Don't know what to make of it.

[Singha]

why would a awacs plane with the best navigational devices stray across the tibetan order when it can very well scan half of tibet from indian side?
the an32 crash has been widely reported in all indian media and not 'downplayed' at all.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city ... 641975.cms

Reports from Itanagar stated the wreckage was found at a village in West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, police said. The aircraft was on a routine food supply sortie, an IAF spokesman said. Among the men on board were two wing commanders, two squadron leaders and a flight lieutenant.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city ... 646298.cms
--

the addl iaf people were probably a new crew getting familiar with that supply route conditions as observers.

[Singha]

http://news.oneindia.in/2009/06/10/iaf- ... adesh.html

The wreckage was found about 30 km from Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh.

--
AN32 needs GCAS and a weather radar , plus a optronic navigation pod under the nose if feasible to permit maximum safety on these dangerous missions into mist shrouded and rainy valleys in sikkim, bhutan, NER. hopefully the weather radar permits scanning cloudbanks and identifying the mean ones with thunderstorm cells and high winds inside...these can be flown around or over.

[Lalmohan]

big cumulo nimbus clouds can have bases at 3000' and top out at 35,000' with massive updrafts within them. if you fall in, you get spat out at the top as an icicle. flying above them is rarely possible or practical. and around them in those mountain valleys is also difficult
but yes, more and better use of GPS and optronics is required

[Singha]

there is some indication here that night flying and navigation will be improved in the ongoing upg using elbit systems gear.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Ind ... 32s-05113/

I believe the B52 has a lantirn targeting pod under the nose these days!

[SriSri]

Eurojet Issues Denial; NewsX reports Eurojet Consultant Expelled for Fraudulent Activities

Eurojet Turbo GmbH categorically denies unfounded allegations made in the NewsX report titled " India expels arms dealer", authored by Vishal Thapar and released on 23 October 2010. The report lacks any factual base and is a work of fiction.

-- Eurojet's statement on this matter (27th October 2010)

(Off-the-record) Eurojet has promised to reveal more details on this while effectively calling Vishal Thapar's report horse####. Will follow this till its logical conclusion.

If you've seen the original NewsX video, they were explicit. They named the guy, covered his background, reported he fled India on so-and-so date etc. Such depth in detail made you sit up and take notice. Either NewsX or Eurojet have messed big time on this one.

[Karan M]

Thapar himself used to rely on wheeler dealers for info, if you see previous reports

[SriSri]

LOL won't disagree on that.

But this report does mention very specific details. That's what lends credibility to his report, unless of course the guy who has been named as the corrupt consultant comes forward and says "here I am, haven't fled your country" or if GoI issues some sort of statement.

[Juggi G]

IAF C-130J Hit By CISMOA

[Craig Alpert]

This fella sells news like he's selling sex! Almost made a mockery out of the Air Cheif PV. Naik, by stating that IAF is putting a "brave face".. Someone tell Aroor to Fuj off

[Juggi G]

US Strips IAF Plane



US Warplanes for India Lack Advance Gadgets

[SriSri]

Air Force, Ministry of Defence Discuss Streamlining Acquisitions, Infrastructure Development, Budget

[kancha]

/Sorry for the OT/

Jagan,
I've sent you a mail. Need some help. Pl reply.

[shukla]

IAF presses HAL to meet timelines, production quality
IBNlive (posting full article)

The Air Force today pressed for public sector aerospace major HAL maintaining high quality standards of aircraft and helicopters it supplies to the IAF and to meet delivery timelines. On the second day of the IAF's Commanders Conference, the Air Force leadership met with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) top brass, when the two sides thrashed out issues of quality of products and projects' deadlines of Sukhoi fighter jets and Hawks trainer aircraft.

IAF sources told PTI here today that the IAF leadership, including Air Chief Marshal P V Naik, sought HAL's support in supply of spares and other equipment for the platforms it delivers to the Air Force. Among other issues flagged by the IAF with the HAL delegation led by its chairman Ashok Nayak included the performance of the MiG complex, where the aging variants of the Russian-origin fighter jets such as MiG-21 and MiG-27 are serviced within India.

The IAF also wanted HAL to speed up operationalisation of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas', of which Air Force has ordered two squadrons strength under the Mark I variant and another five squadrons would be ordered under the Mark II variant with a new engine to provide it more power. Apart from the 90-minute review of the HAL's performance, the IAF commanders also made presentation on their assessment of the security scenarios for their theatres and plans to counter these challenges.

"Except for the Eastern Air Command (EAC), for which a special presentation would be held later, all other Air Commands made their presentations today," the sources said. EAC's presentation gains significance in view of its areas of responsibility covering the borders with China. IAF has already planned induction of Sukhoi fighter jets at air bases under EAC, apart from strengthening its radar cover and creating new Advanced Landing Grounds for better access to troops.

The IAF Commanders also did some crystal-gazing on the future sea-based air operations and over mountainous terrains involving its entire fleet of fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters, thereby covering all sides of India's land and maritime borders with its neighbours, particularly Pakistan and China.

Among other issues discussed were new air battle concepts and utilisation of existing and future assets in view of the rapid modernisation efforts underway, including the purchase of 126 medium multirole combat aircraft, development of fifth generation fighter aircraft, acquisition of attack and transport helicopters, induction of airborne early warning and control systems and operationalisation of Air Force Net for net-centric operations.

[ramana]

We now need to see similar reports for the IN conference.

[VinodTK]

Indian Air Force Sees Marginal Change At HAL

A senior IAF official who is part of the ongoing IAF Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi tells AVIATION WEEK that the slight shift in HAL’s commitment was mainly due to the firm stand adopted by India’s military services.

[shukla]

Defence Secretary Interacts with IAF Commanders
Ministry of Defence: Press release

The ongoing Air Force Commanders Conference entered into its penultimate day. Discussions on various operational philosophies and IAF’s roadmap for Maritime Air Operations were discussed during the day. Commanders from the IAF’s Operational Commands presented their operational plans and discussions on various new concepts took place.

Among the other highlights of today’s meeting included an interaction with MoD officials led by Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar. The Air Chief and Defence Secretary emphasised the necessity to have greater synergy between MoD and the IAF HQ to achieve IAF’s transformational plan within the laid down time frames. Critical issues related to acquisition, infrastructural development and budget support were discussed during the interaction.

The IAF is poised for a large scale transformation in the years ahead. Significant among them will be the acquisition of MMRCA, which will address IAF’s long-outstanding demand of replenishing its combat aircraft inventory. Also in the pipeline are new jet trainers, combat helicopters, various missile systems and radars which will significantly enhance the strategic capabilities of the IAF. The concluding day will have discussions on various maintenance and HR issues.

[Mort Walker]

[vic]

The IAF also wanted HAL to speed up operationalisation of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas', of which Air Force has ordered two squadrons strength under the Mark I variant

This is first firm quote which I have come across that says that IAF has "ordered" second batch of Mark-1 also unlike "likely" to order or will soon order or negotiating etc

[SaiK]

US strips IAF plane, may be okay per the deal, but is it okay to pay the same price then? where is that DDM aspect?

[Rahul M]

any discussion on this speculation?
China shot down India's new Phalcon

...However, the blog, quoting reports in the US and Russia, comes out with a claim that the Indian plane was shot down by a Chinese air defence unit...
according to the blog, US press reports have felt that on the basis of signs seen by them, in particular the downplaying of the incident by India, it could be estimated that the crashed aircraft was not a big transport plane as explained by Indian military, but was India's first early warning Phalcon aircraft
...The blog then observes that however, signs of India's weakness appearing in the period following the 'shooting down' of its aircraft, include New Delhi's despatch of additional troops and deployment of four more SU-30 aircraft into 'Southern Tibet'.

which goes on to show that some chinese are as delusional as pakis. hope their tribe grows.

[Samay]

IAF C-130J Hit By CISMOA

Tune of more strings to come , Goodluck to IAF and Indian defence from american companies

[Vivek K]

which goes on to show that some chinese are as delusional as pakis. hope their tribe grows.

Brilliant Chicom logic. The Phalcon does not need to fly close to Chicom radar cover. The Phalcon can probably look into China from afar.

Also, this persistent theme about "weakness" is probably causing a false sense of overwhelming superiority among the Chinese. They are forgetting a very important lesson - "never underestimate your enemy". Perhaps Confucious forgot to teach this to them. Their arrogance will be their downfall. India should aim to liberate all of Tibet in the next war as a lesson to the Chinese.

[Juggi G]

Cross - Post


India Today » The Big Story
The ChiPak Threat
Sandeep Unnithan

A Detailed Study carried out by the Indian Air Force was submitted to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) specifying Two Contingencies.

The First, a Full Scale War against Pakistan while Adopting a Dissuasive Posture against China. For this, a Force of 44 Squadrons is Required.

The Second Contingency sees A Simultaneous Conflict with China and Pakistan with the Capability to Hold Pakistan and Defend against China, Requires a Force of 55 Combat Squadrons."

This Stark Assessment comes from the MoD's Eleventh Plan, 2007-2012. This Secret Document, a Five-Year Acquisition Roadmap for the Defence Forces now with India Today Illustrates the Ultimate Nightmare of Indian Strategic Planners : A Simultaneous Attack by China and Pakistan along the Western, Northern and North-Eastern Borders. A Concerted Multi-Front Air-Land Battle over 7,000-km that Stretches the Indian armed Forces Thin and Potentially Threaten to Sever Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and the North-east.

[ramana]

ThE IAF old strength was 45 squadrons when did it become 39.5 squadrons? Did they phase out earlier than the acqusisiton?

[Rahul M]

ramana ji 39.5 sqdn is IAF's sanctioned strength for a long time now, close to two decades if memory serves right. there have been talk of 45 sqdn and even an eventual force of 55 sqdn/1000 aircraft (which seems to have made a comeback after a decade) but nothing concrete so far.