By Air Chief Marshal Fali H Major (Retd) Former Chief of the Air Staff, IAF Former Member, National Security Advisory Board, Govt of India

Dassault Rafale

The literal translation of Rafale in French is 'a gust of wind' - and it seems that this gust of wind is going to kick start the exercise to augment the depleting Squadron strength of the Indian Air Force soon, albeit in a small way & in lesser numbers and not as the 'Mother of all Deals' - as it was purported to be! But the induction of even 36 Rafale is welcome - the much needed 'wind' beneath the IAF's 'wings'!

While it is a fact that no Air Force in the world can have a combat fleet consisting of only the most modern & cutting edge combat platforms, a healthy technology mix of low technology/medium technology/4th & 5th generation technology platforms (20%:40%:40%) is an accepted ratio to project Air Power credibly & potently against your likely adversaries. Every single Air Force in the world is always in some form of modernisation or the other given the obsolescence/ageing of equipment, changing threat/conflict scenarios & rapid advancement of technology - it is only the costs, scope & time frames that vary. The Indian Air Force is no different from any other, and is going through the many nuances & complexities that accompany such transformations!

The only peculiar difference the IAF faces is that besides the ongoing modernisation, it's combat fleet is depleting at an alarming rate.

The only peculiar difference the IAF faces is that besides the ongoing modernisation, it's combat fleet is depleting at an alarming rate. A lot has been written & debated as to why this is happening and I will not get into it, but the key issue now is to augment our Squadron strength in the quickest time frame with a healthy mix of combat platforms in the ratio suggested above, or close to it. The crucial issue that needs to be kept in mind is that this mix must be of only 4 or 5 aircraft types - but in sufficient numbers to meet the requirements of a 42 Squadron Air Force. Another great advantage of a 4 or 5 aircraft types Air Force is the ease of maintenance, training & logistics. In the present context & given costs to the nation, an ideal & healthy mix of aircraft types in the IAF could be - MiG Variants (15%), Mirage 2000's/Jaguars/LCA (45%) and Su-30/Rafale (40%). What is crucial however, is the phase-out/induction time frame of the old & new platforms - this will determine the operational preparedness and combat edge of the IAF at any given time.

It would make immense sense if the Rafale numbers are incrementally increased to form at least 4 Squadrons (80 aircraft) for the ease of maintenance, training and logistics.

It would make immense sense if the Rafale numbers are incrementally increased to form at least 4 Squadrons (80 aircraft) for the ease of maintenance, training and logistics that is required to maintain a front line state-of-the-art aircraft such as Rafale. Also, given the size & expanse of our Country and the Airspace that needs to be controlled, defended even during peace time and 'dominated' in times of war/conflict, the number of aircraft do matter!