“We are looking forward to building up our combat fleet of aircraft to 42 squadrons by the end of the current plan, by 2027 and I think this is possible, this is viable, there are a lot of options available with us.”

As the Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrates its 83rd anniversary, we look back with an overwhelming sense of pride at the role this glorious organisation has played both in war and peace especially after independence. On this solemn occasion, we salute the air warriors and gratefully acknowledge the sacrifices they have made for the nation. The message on this occasion from Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chief of the Air Staff and Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, would inspire one and all indeed!

Over the last more than eight decades, the IAF has grown in size and strength to become the fourth largest in the world and has evolved into a formidable aerospace power always ready to meet with the challenges to national security. Whenever there has been a calamity at home or abroad, the IAF has always stepped in to undertaken disaster relief operations or has evacuated citizens of India as well as those of other nations stranded in the midst of conflict. In both war and peace, the IAF has unequivocally demonstrated the capability of providing swift response in crisis situations. The year 2015 also happens to be the year during which the IAF is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the war with Pakistan in 1965, an experience that can aptly be described as ‘baptism by fire’ for the IAF. We pay homage to those who laid down their lives in the war.

While the IAF is now reasonably well equipped insofar as the transport and rotary-wing fleets are concerned, there is the need for introspection in respect of the combat fleet which does need attention. Hopefully, the contract for the 36 Rafale jets would be concluded soon. Also, steps need be taken soon to build up the strength of the fighter aircraft fleet to 42 squadrons. Another important area that needs attention is the regime of force multipliers especially by way of flight refuelling aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and aerial surveillance platforms that the IAF needs urgently to achieve a quantum leap in its operational capability. Given the evolving geopolitical scenario in the region and the deteriorating security situation especially with China becoming increasingly belligerent in Tibet and in the South China Sea, the nation cannot afford to be complacent in this regard.

We at SP Guide Publications regard it as an exclusive privilege as also a matter of honour to dedicate this issue of SP’s Aviation to the IAF. In this issue of SP’s Aviation, several veterans of the IAF have shared with us their thoughts, ideas and views on the various aspects of this glorious service that are of critical importance.

In this Special Issue, we also have an exclusive interview with the Ambassador of Spain in India, Gustavo de Aristegui who has praised the IAF for its disaster relief work in Nepal. Besides, he has spoken at length on how the two countries can work together in the realm of defence and civil aviation. Specifically, he mentions how India has to become ‘aviation-friendly’.

Efforts are on in this direction and we see a proactive government. The South has taken a lead when it comes to regional aviation with three airliners already making waves. In the regional aviation article, R. Chandrakanth analyses how Air Costa, Air Pegasus and Trujet are connecting southern destinations and that it should be replicated in other regions too.

The Indian airline industry may see positive developments as action is in hand to facilitate import of aviation turbine fuel directly by the Indian carriers. However, as for the air charter business, which is a major part of business aviation, the government should take decisive steps to improve infrastructure, nurture healthy competition, rationalise taxes/airport charges and introduce such other liberal policies to boost growth in this sector. A detailed analysis of these issues by Chandrakanth has been included in this issue.

Also, while we welcome the new Chairman of Air India, Ashwani Lohani, an officer from the Indian Railways and has an impressive record of turning around organisations in financial distress; we sincerely hope that he will succeed in turning the national carrier around.

All these apart from the regular features in this issue of SP’s Aviation. Welcome aboard and happy landings!