As the IAF’s C-17s begin to fly their operational missions, perhaps across the globe, they are likely to encounter many other ‘Globemasters’ sporting flags and insignias of many friendly air forces worldwide

In his recent New Year ‘message’, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne while praising the men and women in blue stated, “Over the past one year, the IAF has taken confident strides on the path of transforming itself into a multi-spectrum force.” He was obviously referring to some big ticket acquisitions such as the AWACS and C-130J Super Hercules ‘special operations’ aircraft during the year 2011.

But if 2011proved to be an eventful year for the IAF, will 2012 prove be even more exciting? The New Year could very well start on a high note, if the powers that be declare, as expected, the ultimate winner of the IAF’s decade-long competition for its high-voltage MMRCA programme by the end of January. The declaration could greatly facilitate signing of the contract before the end of the current financial year ending March 31. Close on the heels of the MMRCA deal, two major follow on contracts are waiting to be signed in the current year, namely, acquisition of six more C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and two additional AWACS aircraft to augment IAF’s “eyes in the sky” capability.

Given the growing state of the Indian economy and resulting security concerns and regional/global responsibilities to ensure peace and stability, India’s defence spending can be expected to expand correspondingly. According to the Government of India’s Thirteenth Finance Commission Report, India is expected to spend $80-100 billion over the next four to five years for the Indian armed forces. The IAF being a capital-intensive service is likely to get a lion’s share of the ‘capital expenditure’ for its ambitious and wellplanned modernisation/force accretion programmes.

A major step has been taken by the IAF to increase its strategic/tactical airlift capabilities by signing the deal for 10 C-17 Globemaster III airlifters from the US Boeing Company through the FMS route, with an option for six more at a later date. To be inducted during 2013-14, the “Strong Workhorses” C-17s will give tremendous boost to the IAF’s strategic reach capabilities. This would also give a great fillip to the IAF’s interoperability factor because as its C-17s begin to fly their operational missions, perhaps across the globe, they are likely to encounter many other ‘Globemasters’ sporting flags and insignias of friendly air forces worldwide.

Honeywell’s large footprint in India was revealed more than adequately during a recent tête-à-tête with its country head, Pritam Bhavnani. During the informal discussion, it was also revealed that with the company’s offer of the F125IN, Honeywell is more than hopeful to help the IAF realise its dream of powering its ‘strike’ workhorse—the Jaguar fleet—with more powerful engines.

The tussle between airlines and MoCA over route networking is a continual process. An article on route networking throws light on the procedure followed by the DGCA and the BCAS in the allotment of slots to the airlines.

This issue also carries the concluding part of the article published last month to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Indo-Pak War of 1971, bringing out details of the air operations which clinched the ‘Blitzkrieg’ victory for India. All this and much more; SP’s Aviation team once again wishes its esteemed readers an exciting, bountiful and a glorious 2012.

Jai Hind!