Crowning a distinguished career spanning 38 years with the Indian Air Force, Air Marshal P.V. Naik took over the mantle of the Vice Chief of Air Staff on January 1. In an extensive interview to SP’s Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal and Senior Visiting Editor Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia, Air Marshal Naik outlines his hopes and aspirations for the force.

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): In recent years, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has emphasised on strategic reach, precision strike and all-weather capability. What is being done to achieve these capabilities in qualitative and quantitative terms?

Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS): The IAF is building its capabilities based on its perceived future requirements and role. In this, we are looking at the relevant technologies, keeping in mind economic realities and budgetary constraints. Our acquisition plans are tailored to provide us key future capabilities of strategic reach, employing space capability. We have already made a beginning with induction of long-range aircraft, aerial refuellers and will shortly be getting the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). All combat jet fighters acquired in the future will have the capability to be refuelled in flight. Improved surveillance is also around the corner, with the Aerostats, AWACS and new radars. We also require weapon systems which are precise as well as capable of long and ‘Beyond Visual Range’ engagements. Besides strategic reach, we need to build up necessary capabilities for utilisation of space-based assets for our nation’s security.

SP’s: Each service has professed interest in acquiring Network Centric Warfare (NCW) capabilities. What is being done to meet the requirements in this regard?

VCAS: NCW is an operational concept that derives its synergy power from effective linking of dispersed ‘Knowledge Entities’. Towards achieving this capability, IAF is acquiring AWACS, Operational Data Link and Integrated Air Command and Control System, and fusing detection for multiple sensors to develop a common Air Situational Picture in real time.

SP’s: The IAF’s new Air Power Doctrine stresses on Parallel War and Effect-based Operations. Do these mesh with the joint tri-service doctrinal concepts, including the Indian Army’s Cold Start concept?

VCAS: We are already geared up to meet the requirements of the ‘Cold Start’ doctrine. IAF today follows an effect-based approach rather than a numerical approach. Technology now permits parallel warfare, which allows simultaneous engagement of a number of targets in a well-orchestrated manner.