The IAF is in the midst of a self-claimed transformation. It is true that it is transiting through unique challenges but also open prospects for new opportunities.

Born in 1932, the Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its Platinum Jubilee in 2007. On the occasion of the Air Force Day, on October 8, the then Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major in his anniversary message had stated, “The emerging geopolitical and security scenario requires our nation to possess comprehensive military capability, characterised by flexibility and speed of response, the mobility and transportability of all forms of national power, long-reach, precision targeting, minimum fuss, collateral damage and reduced visibility. Aerospace power fits the bill perfectly. And the 21st century promises to belong to it for its ready applicability in all situations. Given the Indian situation, our concerns and aspirations, a strong and comprehensive aerospace capability is inescapable. India requires it in all its capabilities.”

Since then, three years have elapsed and the IAF is purposefully winging its way to the centenary. But while marching steadfastly ahead, does the IAF also find itself on the right path to enable it to acquire the necessary capabilities, both in qualitative as well as quantitative terms? The IAF is said to be in the midst of a self-claimed transformation. It is true that it is transiting through unique moments of history which not only present new challenges but which also open prospects for new opportunities. The big question is: will the IAF be able to keep its tryst to be a world class aerospace power as it ripens in age to reach a triple figure? In the words of Air Commodore (Retd) Jasjit Singh, Director, Centre for Air Power Studies and an eminent air force historian, “What the IAF would be at that time would depend almost entirely on how it deals with its transformation.” Could it be hoped that by the time IAF celebrates its centenary, it would not only have remained but improved upon being the prime repository of India’s credible conventional capabilities while providing critical components of credible and survivable nuclear deterrence; that it would have changed from a subcontinental, geographically limited force to one with true continental reach and effect; that it would have acquired capabilities for the strategic role along with the capability to perform tactical tasks more effectively; that it would have acquired increasing ability to exploit space capabilities for enhancing military operations; that it would have shifted from a pure line-of-sight (LoS) capability to substantively beyondvisual-range (BVR) capabilities; that it would have integrated new technology systems like AWACS, etc fully into service; that it would have built force levels to not only the currently authorised, but also to the recommended enhanced levels and lastly, that it would be capable to fully respond when called upon to serve a variety of national interests in contingencies and unpredictable challenges and tasks, not only within the country but also on a global scale?

Any assessment of the future direction of the IAF must rest on the likely capabilities of countries whose air power could impinge on Indian security. India has two major adversaries in its neighbourhood, China and Pakistan, who individually and collectively pose the gravest of security challenges for India. China’s military modernisation has been progressing purposefully for more than two decades, since the time Beijing observed the superiority demonstrated by the high-tech coalition forces in the 1991 Iraq war. China’s modernisation drive to replace its antiquated weapon systems with the help of Russian technology and expertise has resulted in rapid transformation of PLAAF. With the infusion of hundreds of Su-27s and Su-30s coupled with its continuing home production of J-11, and indigenous development and production of other types such as JH-7/7A, FC-1 and J-10, China is moving fast to realise its aim to have a predominantly fourth generation air force, providing it with all-pervading capabilities of a modern, state-of-the-art offensive air arm with matching force-multipliers and support systems in a network-centric warfare scenario. Pakistan on the other hand has been and continues to reap the military benefits for supposedly partnering with the US in its Global War on Terror (GWOT). It has already received more than$11 billion (` 50,600 crore) worth of modern weapon systems from the US which include the latest models of F-16 aircraft. In addition, Pakistan has started producing the JF-17 Thunder (Chinese FC-1) indigenously. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has been given maximum priority to develop into a modern fighting force. The implications for India are that it may soon have to contend with 1,500 to 2,000 modern jet fighters at its two borders.