The IAF needs to be a partner in the development of aircraft and weapon systems by the Indian defence and aerospace industries as also the various R&D organisations within the country and not merely a potential customer who has the easy option to turn to external sources for hardware

Among mortals, 76 may indeed be a ripe old age, but for an institution such as the Indian Air Force (IAF), it is the prime of youth. The exuberance and excitement associated with its 76th anniversary celebrations is, therefore, quite understandable.

As always, the IAF this year celebrates this auspicious event on October 8. While there may be much reason to raise a toast, there is also the need to take stock of the state of capabilities built up painstakingly over the last seven-and-a-half decades. This is also the time to evaluate these capabilities vis-à-vis the challenges that lie ahead for the nation, in general, and the IAF, in particular.

The IAF today is universally acknowledged as a modern force. In fact, since its inception, it has always been in the forefront of technology, as the intrinsic nature of its composition, role and responsibility demand that it be equipped with the latest and state-of-the-art weapon systems available at the point in time to fulfill its mandate. In the case of the IAF, affordability has also been an important criterion.