Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, interacting with SP’s Aviation’s Editorial Team, draws the spotlight on issues ranging from modernisation drive to sharing of infrastructure with the civilian sector and flexi use of air space

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): The modernisation programme would be integral to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in its quest to achieve a new ‘transformed’ avatar. Is the IAF facing any difficulties or roadblocks in achieving the desired capabilities?

Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik (CAS): In the past, the IAF modernisation plan did progress slowly because of certain constraints. The new procurement procedure has addressed quite a few issues. The IAF is progressing well on its modernisation plan and we are not facing any difficulties or roadblocks. All capital procurements are being done as per the procedure laid down in the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2009, which is a comprehensive and transparent document and is an improvement from the previous editions.

SP’s: While the IAF is grappling with the problem of unprecedented erosion in its combat squadrons’ strength, is there a possibility to put the long-drawn Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) programme on a fast track? What is the latest status of the flight evaluation phase of the acquisition process? What would be the earliest time frame for the IAF to induct these aircraft? In addition, is a possibility foreseen to acquire these aircraft in greater numbers than envisaged at present to maintain the IAF’s operational edge? Also, could you comment on the Indo-Russian joint venture to develop the Future Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA)? Would the PAK-FA meet the IAF’s requirements of a Fifth Generation combat aircraft?

CAS: The Flight Evaluation Trials of the MMRCA project are in progress. In-country phase of the Field Evaluation Trials of four out of the six contenders have been completed. Other evaluations are progressing. This will continue up to mid-2010. The induction of the first batch is likely to be in 2013, depending when the contract is signed.

Induction of new fighter aircraft in the IAF is based on our Long-Term Perspective Plan, keeping in view the envisaged threat and role assigned to the IAF. To meet these requirements, the IAF plans to induct additional fighter aircraft to bolster its force levels. Any additions will be based on our requirements and other acquisitions, keeping in mind the force-level required as per our appreciation.

The Indo-Russian joint venture of FGFA is progressing well and is as per the schedule. High level technical discussions are underway between both parties for design and development of the aircraft. The fighter would be developed with the latest technologies and is expected to be operationalised by 2017-18. We are confident the FGFA would meet the IAF’s requirement of the Fifth Generation Combat aircraft. The capabilities of the PAK-FA would be known as and when it commences flight trials and relevant data is available.

SP’s: How is the IAF equipping itself to achieve its desired core competencies pertaining to strategic reach, precision attack and all-weather capabilities?

CAS: The IAF is following a modernisation programme to achieve its desired core competencies pertaining to strategicreach, precision-attack and other core capabilities. We have plans to acquire more number of AAR (air-to-air refuellers), heavy-lift capability, advanced combat aircraft, modern helicopters, PGMs (precision-guided munitions), space-enabled and Network Centric Warfare capabilities. The upgrades in various fleets being undertaken are also aimed at improving targeting and all weather capabilities. These acquisitions and upgradations would ensure that the IAF is effective to the edge of its intended area of interest and acquires core competencies to become a credible aerospace power in the near future.

SP’s: To what level of cooperation has the convergence of interest between the Ministries of Defence (MoD) and Civil Aviation been achieved pertaining to sharing of infrastructure and other assets? Could you give an update with special emphasis on integration of surveillance radars into the country’s air defence system and the ‘flexi’ use of air space? Have the investigations into the episode of conflict between the Presidential helicopter and civil air traffic been completed and, if so, would the findings be available in the public domain?

CAS: The IAF is progressing well in integrating all its sensors. The field trials for the first node are underway in the Western sector. All radars in Western and South-Western sector would be integrated within a year. The air force plans to integrate all radars of the IAF, army, navy and civil setups in order to enable comprehensive air defence of the country. The integration of civil radars and progress on flexi-use of air space is progressing side by side.

The findings of the Joint Committee (in the mishaps involving the Presidential helicopter) are available on the Internet and were published in the print media as well. The committee recommended greater cooperation between IAF elements and civil Air Traffic Control during the planning of VVIP arrival and departures. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has recommended that no aircraft should depart or arrive within three minutes of a VVIP arrival and departure. The IAF has also modified its Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) with respect to circuit procedures and R/T calls. Formulation of Joint SOP with the Airports Authority of India is being processed through the MoD.