Keeping in view the geopolitical scenario and emerging threats, the IAF plans not only to catch up but also further augment its jet fighter fleets to reach a higher level of a 42-squadron force by 2022

Armed with the political approval of 45-squadron combat jet fighter force in the 1960s, the Indian Air Force painstakingly built up its fighter fleets to reach a force level of 39½ squadrons. But due to the forced Sabbath from any new inductions during the period late 1980s to almost the entire 1990s, the IAF began to witness a downslide in the combat force levels. The IAF’s MiG-21 squadrons started to fall like nine pins burdened under the unsustainable weight of obsolescence. If the Su-30 induction had not materialised, the IAF would have truly found itself in dire straits.

The wakeup call couldn’t have come sooner for the IAF. While the IAF was able to arrest further fall from the dismal 28-29 squadrons level that it had plunged to by inducting greater number of Su-30 MKIs being licence-produced by HAL, it also opened up venues for induction of many other types, creating a huge market in India for the sale of modern jet fighters.

Leading the pack of new fighters to rebuild and enhance IAF’s combat strength is the Su-30 MKI with a total order having reached a figure of 272 through an ongoing programme, worth approximately $15 billion (Rs. 67,500 crore). The IAF has so far received 124 aircraft. The indigenous LCA is getting closer to its planned induction into the IAF with the ceremonial handing over of the initial operational clearance (IOC) certificate by none other than the Defence Minister A.K. Antony himself to the IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik on January 10. In all, the IAF is planning to induct 200 fighters and 20 trainer version of the aircraft. The Indian Navy plans to buy at least 50 naval version Mk II LCAs in due course. The total outlay could exceed $10 billion (Rs. 45,000 crore).

The much touted MMRCA programme is slowly inching towards the final stages of India’s tortuous procurement procedure for defence equipment. The $10-11 billion (Rs. 45,000 crore-Rs. 49,500 crore) programme for 126 aircraft has a built-in clause for 200 aircraft which is more than likely to happen with the acquisition costs exceeding $15 billion. The US Lockheed Martin with the offer of the F-16IN Super Viper and Boeing fielding the F/A-18 E/F are likely to use Aero India 2011 as the final push for the mega deal. Other competitors in the fray are the French Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, the Russian MiG-35 and the Swedish Saab Gripen. There are indications that selection of a US fighter in the MMRCA tender could pave the way for the IAF to excess the next generation technology in the form of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 under development.