The IAF landed the C-130J Super Hercules at DBO adding another feat her to its cap. It would not be surprising if the IAF ventures to land at DBO its lat est acquisition, the C-17 Globemaster III, thereby demonstrati ng not only it’s phenomenal operatio nal capability but also firmly reinforcing the subtle message to our northern neighbour.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has indeed been making waves in the recent past. The formal induction of the three C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift aircraft at Hindon into the newly formed transport squadron, so aptly christened as “Skylords”, was described by the Minister of Defence A.K. Antony as “a defining moment for the IAF”. The operational significance was quite appropriately highlighted by Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, Chief of the Air Staff, when he described this asset as being a game-changer in the way the IAF would carry out air transport operations in the future. This fleet truly enhances the strategic profile of the IAF which is being pursued as one of the objectives of the transformation the IAF is currently embarked upon.

Another feather in the cap of the IAF was the landing at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) by a Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules four-engine transport aircraft inducted recently into the IAF. This event acquired special significance on account of the recent episodes of hostile activity by China on the line of actual control and is seen by some analysts as a subtle message to China. It would not be surprising if the IAF ventures to land at DBO the C-17 thereby demonstrating not only its phenomenal operational capability but also firmly reinforcing the subtle message to our northern neighbour!

The other issue troubling the IAF is the agonising wait for the finalisation of contract for the 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA), the Rafale from Dassault Aviation. Over six years have gone by since the issue of RFP; but the time frame for finalisation of the deal continues to remain uncertain. The implications of delay are serious for all the stakeholders as brought out by Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey in this issue. Air Marshal (Retd) Anil Chopra examines the growing nexus between our two not-so-friendly neighbours. India must surely take this into account in its security calculus. In a candid interview, Susan A. Maraghy, Vice President, South Asia, Corporate International Business Development, Lockheed Martin, expounds the business plans of the company and the shifting focus to the Asian region. In another interview, Colin Mahoney, Senior Vice President, International and Service Solutions, Rockwell Collins, elaborated on the company’s investments in India providing solutions in both commercial and defence segments of the aerospace industry.

In the civil aviation segment, Arun Lohiya and Sonia Safri review the state of business aviation in India and conclude that it is only with a clear vision and undaunted commitment by the industry as well as the government that the civil aviation industry can hope to prosper. Joseph Noronha reviews the global scene in respect of regional aviation and observes that economic slowdown appears to be impinging on regional aviation both in the US and Europe. However, as the centre of gravity of aviation is shifting gradually towards Asia, regional aviation still holds promise in this part of the world. In this issue, R. Chandrakanth describes the enormous strides Embraer has made in respect of regional airliners having already delivered 1,000 aircraft of their family of E-Jets. The company has expanded its global footprint through an innovative approach and aggressive marketing strategy.

At the Sixth ASSOCHAM International Conference on Civil Aviation held in Delhi in August, the high profile participants connected with the Indian civil aviation industry discussed a wide range of issues including development of airports, regulatory affairs and regional connectivity. A report on the conference is included in this issue.

All this apart from the regular features. Welcome aboard and happy landings!