“The security situation in the immediate neighbourhood is extremely fragile and it is a major concern for us. The need of the hour is air vigilance,” said Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne during the 79th Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Air Base on October 8.

The Chief further said that increasing presence of China in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) warrants India’s “attention”. Stressing on ensuring the security of all important assets of the country, the IAF chief said that security of our information networks was also “absolutely critical”. “We need to upgrade our knowledge and awareness to counter this threat,” he said

Addressing a press conference prior to Air Force Day, Browne announced that the Indian Air Force (IAF) would induct six more C-130Js. “For the first time perhaps in our history, the aircraft has come before time and that has actually helped us keep moving,” said he, and added that the simulator will be coming in November and training will start soon. With regard to the number of squadrons, the Chief said that currently the IAF has plans of maintaining 34 squadrons and 17 squadrons would be phased out. “The IAF will induct the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) by 2014-15-16,” he informed.

On being asked about the fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA), Browne informed that design sharing will be finalised by mid-2012. “The IAF will get 166 single-seat and 48 twin-seat aircraft for six squadrons.”

On the Mirage 2000 upgradation deal, Browne said, “We have finished the negotiations for the MICA missile and it should be cleared by next month.” The initial operational clearance (IOC) of the light combat aircraft (LCA) is likely to be finalised by the end of the year.

Speaking on training, he said, “Training is an area of concern to us and the nuances would be taken care of. India grounded 108 HPT 32 trainers in 2009. Pilatus PC-7 is in the final stages of procurement. The contract will be signed by the end of October.” The Air Chief said that Chinese incursion is happening because of lack of demarcation of boundaries. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is setting up a mechanism to address the problem of management of borders.”

“The IAF has a 15-year modernisation plan. We are modernising fast and the pace of modernisation will become even faster,” said the Air Chief. “The IAF has plans to expand the 6,000-foot Kargil runway to enable the base to operate all major transport aircraft such as C-17, IL-76 heavy lift planes, etc.”